Healthy Weight

The number of Canadians who are overweight or obese has increased dramatically over the past 25 years. Obesity is a risk factor in a number of chronic diseases. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce the risk of those diseases and improve overall health.

Are you at a healthy weight?

Body Mass Index:

The body mass index is one way to help determine your risk of developing weight-related health problems.

Find out your BMI

Waist circumference:

The waist circumference is an indicator of health risk associated with excess abdominal fat. Excess fat around the waist and upper body (also described as an "apple" body shape) is associated with greater health risk than fat located more in the hip and thigh areas (described as a "pear" body shape).

Measured at belly button!

My waist is: _______

A measurement of 102 cm (40 inches) or greater for men and 88 cm (35 inches) or greater for women may increase the risk of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension.

Waist-Hip ratio:

Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) is a measure of trunk fatness. It is a good indicator of weight as a risk factor for diseases such as heart disease.

It is strongly recommended that you discuss your results with your health care professionals. If your are concerned about your weight, consult your physician or health care provider for a more complete assessment of your individual circumstances and risk factors.

Learn more

You can achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by:

• following Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and moderating the amount of food that you eat
• being aware that portion sizes affect the number of calories consumed. Drink lots of water and limit foods/beverages high in sugar, fat, salt, and calories
• Building physical activity into your daily life. Start slowly and increase gradually to at least 60 minutes every day. Accumulate your physical activity throughout the day, in periods of at least 10 minutes each. Not sure consult with your health care provider. Learn more ways to be physically active
• using the Nutrition Facts table on prepackaged foods to make informed food choices
• avoiding fad diets. Although some may help you lose weight quickly, they usually involve avoiding certain types of food and the effects don't last once you return to a normal diet