With an increasing number of people in the United States becoming overweight or obese, it is important that we pay more attention to what we are eating and how much physical activity we make part of our daily life. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight will help you become a healthier person. Once you are at a healthy weight, physical activity and healthy eating will help you to maintain it.

*Please note that this section only provides information for adults and does not apply to children.

What are the benefits of being a healthy weight?

• You will have an increased energy level.
• You will feel more confident about your body.
• Exercising will be easier.
• You will be less likely to develop chronic diseases.

What causes a person to be overweight or obese?

There are many factors that can cause a person to be overweight or obese. For example, what you eat and how much daily physical activity you do contribute to your weight. Your genes, or family history, may also play a role in how likely you are to become overweight or obese. However, just because your parents are overweight or obese, does not mean that you have to be overweight or obese yourself.

Managing your weight is all about balancing the calories in the food you eat with the calories used during activity. When you take in more calories than you burn off by doing exercise, you will gain weight. Therefore, if you use more calories than you eat and drink, you will lose weight. However, if the calories that you burn off during exercise are the same as the amount that you eat and drink, your weight will stay the same.

How do you know if you are overweight or obese?

There are a few ways to measure if an adult is obese or overweight. The most common way to know if you are obese or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your height and weight. Find out your BMI by using a BMI calculator for adults.

What does your BMI tell you?

Your BMI will help you understand your health risks. People who are overweight or obese increase their chances of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. It is important to talk to your doctor so that he or she can tell you exactly what your health risks are.

BMI does not measure body fat because your BMI is based on only your height and weight. For instance, bodybuilders with a lot of muscle could weigh the same and be the same height as people who have a lot of extra fat on their body. Note that the bodybuilder would not be considered overweight or obese, but the other person would be. Also, the relationship between BMI and body fat differs by age and gender. Remember, BMI is only one part of understanding your body's health.