VA Northern Indiana Health Care System

Healthy Living Message “Strive for a Healthy Weight”

Maintaining a healthy weight means balancing the number of calories you eat with the calories your body uses or burns.  If you maintain your weight, you are “in balance.” You are eating close to the same number of calories that your body is using. Your weight will remain stable.

If you are gaining weight, you are eating more calories than your body is using. These extra calories will be stored as fat, and you will gain weight.  If you are losing weight, you are eating fewer calories than you are using. Your body is using its fat storage cells for energy, so your weight is decreasing.  A simple way to know if you are at a healthy weight is to know your body mass index (BMI).

Being a healthy, normal weight is good for you and will help you prevent and control many diseases and conditions. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, heart disease, gallbladder disease, female health disorders, arthritis, some types of cancer, and sleep apnea.  Eat wisely and choose a variety of low calorie, high nutrition foods and beverages in the basic food groups. Select foods that limit your intake of fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.  Be as physically active as possible. For health benefits, adults should do at least 2 ½ hours a week of moderate-intensity or 1 ¼ hours a week of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity or an equal combination of both. You’ll see a difference in your weight and your health.  Lifestyle changes that include healthy eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are the keys to good health. If you need to lose weight, losing even a little will help.  Losing as little as 5-10% of your current body weight can lower your risks for many diseases. A reasonable and safe weight loss is 1-2 lbs per week. It might take 6 months to reach your ultimate goal, but making gradual lifestyle changes can help you maintain a healthier weight for life.

More Information:

MOVE! Internet Website for Patients www.move.va.gov

MOVE!23 Patient Questionnaire www.move.va.gov/move23.asp

MOVE! Success Stories www.move.va.gov/SuccessStories.asp

By Healthy Living Message