Ask Dr. Schwarz

How do I know what is a healthy weight for me?

That is a very important question. A woman may struggle to reach an ideal weight, one that is not best for her. She picks a number she wants to see on a scale, taking her cues from what movie stars and models weigh. This is never a good way to pick your goal weight.

You are an individual. You have your own personal tastes and your own needs and your own style. You also have your own personal best weight. There is no one ideal weight, just as there is no one ideal height.

A person’s weight is influenced by many things, such as level of physical activity, bone density, muscle mass, genes, and of course, food intake. Along with these factors, weight is affected by lifestyle and quality of nutrition.

According to the National Mental Health Information Center, the best way to arrive at a healthy weight is to make sure you eat a balanced diet. This will provide you with the energy your body needs to function properly. Normal eating will result in normal weight, says the Healthy Weight Network. Normal eating generally means three meals a day plus one or two snacks. It is also suggested that the normal weight will result from eating all foods in moderation and eating at regular times.

A healthy weight, as opposed to an unrealistically low weight, can significantly reduce your risk for physical and mental illness, so it is of utmost importance that you reach your own healthy weight and maintain it.

It is essential to consult with your physician regarding what your particular goals should be. Consider with your doctor such personal characteristics as your height, build, age, and your particular health concerns. Then decide together what would be a realistically healthy weight for you.