Maintaining a healthy weight is something most people struggle with at some point.
Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes so it's important to remember that we don't just measure health using weight on a scale.
Being healthy is about giving your body the fuel it needs. There are simple things you can do that can help you or your loved ones.
What is a healthy weight?
A healthy weight is a weight that helps you get the most out of life and have a better quality of life.
A healthy weight differs for different people. If you're tall, you can be healthy at a heavier weight than if you're short. If you're unsure whether you are a healthy weight, you can work out your Body Mass Index (BMI) by looking at your height to weight ratio.
A BMI greater than 30 in adults is the greatest contributor to the development of a chronic health condition. A high BMI in children increases the risk of obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life.
Being a healthy weight can help you live longer, reduce your chances of developing chronic disease and help you get more out of life.
Looking for a health service?
Discussing the benefits of a healthy weight is part of routine care. Speak to your primary health care professional about treatment goals that focus on improved health for yourself, your children, or your loved ones. If you need help finding a service, use the HealthDirect service finder or visit the Patientinfo information portal for your area.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to explore the following resources on the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight as an integral aspect of routine care and discuss them with your primary health care professional.