Being overweight is a common health problem that occurs when the body weight exceeds the ideal weight range for a specific height.
It’s crucial to maintain a healthy body weight as it reduces the risk of multiple health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and more.
If you’re unsure whether you’re overweight or not, take our quick quiz below to find out:.
1. What is your BMI?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, measures your body fat based on your height and weight. You can use an online BMI calculator or the BMI formula to calculate your BMI. Here’s how to calculate your BMI:.
BMI = Weight (in kilograms) ÷ Height (in meters)².
If your BMI result is:.
- Below 18.5 – You’re underweight.
- Between 18.5 and 24.9 – You’re at a healthy weight range.
- Between 25.0 and 29.9 – You’re overweight.
- 30.0 or higher – You’re obese.
2. What Is Your Waist Circumference?
Waist circumference measures the amount of abdominal fat you have. Abdominal fat can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Here’s a quick guide to measuring your waist:.
- For Men: Place the tape measure directly above your hip bone and measure your waist circumference.
- For Women: Place the tape measure directly above your belly button and measure your waist circumference.
If your waist circumference is:.
- Around 40 inches (102 cm) or more for men – It indicates a higher risk of obesity-related health problems.
- Around 35 inches (88 cm) or more for women – It indicates a higher risk of obesity-related health problems.
3. What Is Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
Your waist-to-hip ratio measures the amount of fat stored on your waistline compared to your hips, and it’s an excellent indicator of your overall health. Here’s how to measure your waist-to-hip ratio:.
- Measure your waist circumference and your hip circumference.
- Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference.
If your waist-to-hip ratio is:.
- Above 0.9 for men – You’re at a higher risk of obesity-related health problems.
- Above 0.8 for women – You’re at a higher risk of obesity-related health problems.
4. What Is Your Body Fat Percentage?
Your body fat percentage measures how much of your body weight comes from fat. It’s a more accurate measurement of your body fat than BMI. Here’s how to measure your body fat percentage:.
- Use an online body fat calculator or a meter to measure your body fat.
If your results are:.
- Between 15-24% for men and 20-30% for women – You’re at a healthy body fat percentage range.
- Above those ranges – You’re at a higher risk of obesity-related health problems.
5. Do You Feel Physically Fit?
Physical fitness reflects your overall well-being. If you can climb stairs without feeling breathless or can manage moderate-intensity activities, you’re physically fit. If not, you’re at a higher risk of obesity-related health problems.
So, if you’ve answered mostly yes to the above questions, congratulations! You’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
However, if you’ve answered mostly no, it’s time to rethink your lifestyle choices and make better health choices.