What Is A “Healthy” Weight?

When you think about achieving a healthy lifestyle and overall well being, one of the primary considerations is weight. You can find a lot of information online about what “healthy” or average weights are, but unfortunately there isn’t one answer to this question. Instead of striving towards an arbitrary number that may or may not be right for you, it’s important to focus on achieving overall wellness through good nutrition and exercise habits. Every individual is unique and has different needs when it comes to health and wellness. That said, knowing your personal healthy weight can help you achieve overall well being – whether you are underweight or overweight. This is especially relevant in Singapore with obesity rates climbing to 10.5% in the latest National Population Health Survey. In this article, Osler Health explores what constitutes a “healthy” weight and common risks associated with being underweight or overweight.

How to determine what is a “healthy” weight

Although there is no definitive answer to what a “healthy” weight is, your Body Mass Index (BMI) can be used as a starting point for determining a weight range for your height and frame. BMI determines the amount of body fat you have using your weight and height. It can be calculated in the following way:

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height x Height (Metre)

A higher BMI indicates a higher amount of bodily fat content, and BMI levels should remain in the 18.5 to 22.9 range, with numbers exceeding 23 to 27.4 considered at moderate risk of facing health issues, and anything 27.5 or above being high risk. Similarly, if your BMI is below 18.5, there is also a risk of nutritional deficiency diseases and osteoporosis. Those who fall within these scores should consider lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise in order to be within a “healthy” weight range for their body type. See our Lifestyle Medicine pages to enquire about a Weight Management programme. 

By inputting your details, you can gain an understanding of your own “healthy” weight range in order to make healthy lifestyle adjustments as appropriate. This not just helps individuals understand their own body better but empowers them to make informed healthcare decisions.

Problems associated with being overweight

Being overweight puts you at higher risk of developing multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, certain cancers and bone and joint disorders. The severity of these conditions can have a serious impact on your overall well being. Therefore, it is important to ensure your weight falls within a specific weight range in order to reduce your likelihood of developing health problems. Not only does “healthy” weight management benefit physical health but it also has positive effects on mental health too. A healthy lifestyle often leads to improved body image and self-confidence, giving individuals the motivation to work towards their goals with renewed gusto. In short, striving for a “healthy” weight can have life changing benefits in more ways than one.

Problems associated with being underweight

For individuals who are underweight, this can also prove to be detrimental to overall health. Being underweight can pose serious health risks, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, hypothermia and lowered immunity. Additionally, women who are underweight have less chance of becoming pregnant than those who maintain “healthy” weights. Therefore, it is important to maintain good eating habits and an active lifestyle as it may lead to better long-term health outcomes. If you are concerned about being underweight, please reach out to discuss your health with one of our doctors. 

Ensure your overall well being with Osler Health

Osler Health provides professional and ethical healthcare to  expats and Singaporeans, to ensure they protect and maintain their health. As a private GP clinic in Singapore we provide a comprehensive range of services including health screenings for males, females and children, including an annual full body checkup, all with the intention of discovering any potential problems early.. With Osler Health, you are in trusted hands when it comes to looking after your overall well-being. Contact us or make an appointment online today.