The Fidelis Care Blog

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set new goals for a healthier life. Keeping a healthy weight is one way to keep your body well.

Obesity: A Growing Concern

Obesity means having too much body fat, which can hurt your health.

• According to the New York State Department of Health, almost 1 out of 3 adults in New York State is obese.
• Obesity can lead to problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
• Obesity is often measured by body mass index (BMI). BMI considers a person's weight and height. Click here to find out your own BMI.

What is Healthy Weight?

A healthy weight is the weight that’s right for your height and age.

A BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for adults. BMI is just a general guideline, though, and does not consider muscle mass or where fat is in the body. For these reasons, BMI is not a perfect measure, but it can be a place to start. Your healthcare provider can also help you determine if your weight is healthy for you.

Benefits of Healthy Weight

• Less risk of getting sick: Keeping a healthy weight helps you stay well and avoid getting sick. It can keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Better mental health: A healthy weight can make you feel better and more confident.
• More energy: With a healthy weight, you’ll have more energy to do more each day.
• Better sleep: Keeping a healthy weight can lead to more restful sleep.

Ideas for Healthy Changes

• Eat a balanced diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. Don’t eat too much.
• Understand what you’re eating: Check the nutrition facts label for serving sizes and calories. Ask your healthcare provider about the number of calories that’s healthy for you each day.
• Drink enough water: Drink water to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Choose water during meals.
• Get regular exercise: Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days. Try activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Talk to your healthcare provider about the type of exercise that’s right for you.
• Practice daily healthy habits:
  • Pay attention to feelings of hunger.
  • Eat slowly.
  • Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Manage stress.
• Get support: Engage with community programs, seek guidance from healthcare professionals, or join support groups to stay motivated.

Small Changes Make a Big Impact

• Start with small steps. Take the stairs, walk during breaks, and drink water instead of soda.
• Slowly progress to bigger changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise each week or month.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Health

Remember, staying at a healthy weight takes time. This January, start with one small step.

References:

• New York State Department of Health
  • Obesity Prevention
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db242.htm

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set new goals for a healthier life. Keeping a healthy weight is one way to keep your body well.

Obesity: A Growing Concern

Obesity means having too much body fat, which can hurt your health.

• According to the New York State Department of Health, almost 1 out of 3 adults in New York State is obese.
• Obesity can lead to problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
• Obesity is often measured by body mass index (BMI). BMI considers a person's weight and height. Click here to find out your own BMI.

What is Healthy Weight?

A healthy weight is the weight that’s right for your height and age.

A BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for adults. BMI is just a general guideline, though, and does not consider muscle mass or where fat is in the body. For these reasons, BMI is not a perfect measure, but it can be a place to start. Your healthcare provider can also help you determine if your weight is healthy for you.

Benefits of Healthy Weight

• Less risk of getting sick: Keeping a healthy weight helps you stay well and avoid getting sick. It can keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Better mental health: A healthy weight can make you feel better and more confident.
• More energy: With a healthy weight, you’ll have more energy to do more each day.
• Better sleep: Keeping a healthy weight can lead to more restful sleep.

Ideas for Healthy Changes

• Eat a balanced diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. Don’t eat too much.
• Understand what you’re eating: Check the nutrition facts label for serving sizes and calories. Ask your healthcare provider about the number of calories that’s healthy for you each day.
• Drink enough water: Drink water to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Choose water during meals.
• Get regular exercise: Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days. Try activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Talk to your healthcare provider about the type of exercise that’s right for you.
• Practice daily healthy habits:
  • Pay attention to feelings of hunger.
  • Eat slowly.
  • Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Manage stress.
• Get support: Engage with community programs, seek guidance from healthcare professionals, or join support groups to stay motivated.

Small Changes Make a Big Impact

• Start with small steps. Take the stairs, walk during breaks, and drink water instead of soda.
• Slowly progress to bigger changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise each week or month.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Health

Remember, staying at a healthy weight takes time. This January, start with one small step.

References:

• New York State Department of Health
  • Obesity Prevention
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db242.htm