Healthy Weight Week: January 15-21, 2006

Collin County Health Care Services encourages all residents to observe healthy weight week. Whatever your current weight or exercise regimen the beginning of the year is a good time to reevaluate. The information provided in these links is intended to assist you in determining a range of healthy weights for your body type. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most significant ways to prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

Learn how to calculate your body mass index

If you are overweight, you are more likely to develop health problems, such as:

• heart disease
• stroke
• diabetes
• cancer (such as colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and   postmenopausal breast cancer)
• gallbladder disease
• sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep)
• osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints)

The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have health problems. Weight loss and regular exercise can help improve the harmful effects of being overweight. Studies show if you are overweight or obese, losing 5-10% of your body weight can improve your health.

Top 5 ways to maintain a healthy weight

	1. Talk to your health care provider about your weight. 83.0% of Texans have not received advice about their weight from their health care provider. Your health care provider can assist you in losing, gaining or maintaining your weight according to your personal needs. BMI for Adults: What Does This All Mean? Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and Obesity: FAQs
	2. Consider if the physical activity you engage in is adequate. Even moderate activity is beneficial and 73.1% of Texans use exercise to keep from gaining weight or to lose weight. Physical Activity Recommended Activity Level Tips for Avoiding Injuries
	3. Involve your family. Nearly half of Americans aged 12-21 do not engage in regular physical activity. A simple activity like walking to school can help your child maintain a healthy weight and build strong bones. Recommendations
	4. Utilize your local parks. Moderate amounts of daily physical activity are recommended for people of all ages. This amount can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes, or in shorter sessions of more intense activities, such as jogging or playing basketball for 15-20 minutes. Collin County Local Parks
	5. Make healthy diet choices. Only 23.9% of Texans report eating five or more fruits or vegetables in a day. Making healthy diet choices a habit leads to a healthier lifestyle. Healthy Eating Tips 5 a Day: Eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day for better health

Join Us in Celebrating Health Weight Week: January 15-21, 2006