What is a Healthy Weight?
A healthy weight is typically defined as a weight that is appropriate for your height and body composition and lowers your risk of health issues.
It can be determined using tools such as the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates weight in relation to height.
BMI has limitations as it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition.
​
Therefore, it might misclassify athletes and those with high muscle mass as overweight or obese and may not accurately reflect the health risks for certain populations.
BMI RANGES
Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates weight in relation to height
-
Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
-
Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
-
Overweight: BMI 25–29.9
-
Obesity Class I: BMI 30 to 34.9
-
Obesity Class II: BMI 35 to 39.9
-
Obesity Class III: 40 or higher
Health Risks Associated with Obesity Classes:
-
Class 1 (Moderate): Increased risk of metabolic syndrome, mild sleep apnea, and joint issues.
-
Class 2 (Severe): Greater likelihood of developing severe obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and joint problems.
-
Class 3 (Very Severe): High risk of cardiovascular diseases, severe sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, and certain cancers.
Additional Considerations
Waist Circumference: A higher waist circumference (greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men) can indicate a higher risk of obesity-related conditions.
​
Body Composition: BMI does not account for muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition. Therefore, individuals with high muscle mass may be classified as obese despite having low body fat.