Ideal Weight for Health

You may have heard the sayings "Thin is in." or "Fat is where it's at." Such extremes in weight are generally not healthy. It makes good sense to find what works best for you according to your genetic makeup, body type, age, gender and lifestyle. There are many factors that contribute to your weight, and the ideal weight for you to be your healthiest may be different for someone else who has a similar profile as yours.

Genetic Makeup:

Your genetic makeup may be contributing to your weight. Go back into your family medical history and find out what percentage of family members were overweight or shared the same general body type.

Body type:

Do you have a Vata Type body that is light, thin and quick or a Pitta Type that has a medium build with the strength and endurance to match? Or is your body solid and powerful like the Kapha Type? Would you consider your body to have a small frame, medium frame or a large frame? If you need help determining this then extend your arm and bend your forearm upward at a 90 degree angle. With your fingers straight, turn the inside of your wrist toward your body. Place your thumb and index finger of the other hand on the two prominent bones of the elbow. Measure the space between the fingers against a ruler or a tape measure. Compare your measurement with the figures in the table below. Elbow measurements less than those given indicate a small frame; greater measurements indicate a large frame.

Women Height in 1" Heels Elbow Breadth for Medium Frame 4'10" to 5'3" 2 1/4" to 2 1/2" 5'4" to 6'0" 2 3/8" to 2 5/8"

Men Height in 1" Heels Elbow Breadth for Medium Frame 5'2" to 5'7" 2 1/2" to 2 7/8" 5'8" to 6'3" 2 3/4" to 3 1/8" 6'4" 2 7/8" to 3 1/4"

Age:

Obesity tends to increase with age and then levels off before decreasing in the elderly. Weight gain in adults usually starts when a person is between 20-40 years of age with maximum body weight reached during middle age. Once the weight is on it is very difficult to eliminate before the age of 65 or 70.

Gender:

Women have a tendency to gain weight more rapidly than men. Having a lower lean body mass could contribute to a slower metabolism in women. Hormonal changes and pregnancies also influence weight gain.

Lifestyle:

People with sedentary lifestyles have a tendency to gain weight easier than people with active lifestyles. When your caloric intake is more than your energy output, you will gain weight through time. Eating less and moving more is the key to most weight management programs.

In addition, there are also complex psychological factors that contribute to obesity. It is believed that 75% of overeating is caused by some emotional factor.

Reducing and managing your weight can happen gradually. Making small, yet consistent reductions in your weight can add up through time. Eating right, exercising, meditating, and the Weight Management Strategy can help you reach your ideal weight for maximum health. The main focus needs to be health. This is the only body you have to carry you on this great journey called life. Treat it with a little TLC, make the necessary changes in your eating habits and lifestyle and it will make this journey a wonderful one.

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