When you step on the bathroom scale, what does it tell you? The often surprising number that appears is your total body weight, but that figure doesn't indicate how much of that weight is fat tissue, bone, muscle or internal organs. Thus, your weight alone is not a comprehensive indicator of fitness. If you have a large frame, you will obviously weigh more than someone who has a small frame. Similarly, if you have a lot of muscle tissue, you will weigh more than someone with the same frame who is not as muscular, because muscle tissue is heavier than fat. The question you need to ask is "Is my weight a healthy weight?"

A healthy weight is a weight that reflects a proportional amount of muscle tissue, strong bones, and necessary fat tissue for your body type and height. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases associated with obesity (a condition characterized by too much body fat) such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A healthy weight also aids in preventing the diseases or conditions associated with too little weight, such as loss of energy and susceptibility to injury and infections, as well as psychological problems such as depression and a distorted body image.

A measurement called body-mass index, or BMI, is one of the ways to help you assess a correct weight for your unique body. BMI is based on the ratio between height and weight and accounts for differences in body composition. It eliminates the need to factor frame size and gender. BMI is calculated by multiplying your weight in pounds by 700, then dividing the result by your height in inches and dividing that result by your height in inches once more. No need to get out your calculator - just click here and we will do the calculations for you!

A BMI index between 20 to 25 is considered ideal for good health. In general, a BMI of 25 or more indicates an increased risk of developing health problems.(BMI may not be appropriate for body-builders who have an above average amount of muscle mass. In this case, body composition testing may be a more appropriate measure).

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