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  5. Body Weight

Body Weight

First, what does “healthy weight” mean to you? Is it the weight you think you should be? The same as you weighed 20 years ago? Ten pounds less than someone else? We can’t provide an exact number for you personally, but we can give you some pointers on how to get to a weight that’s healthy for you and stay there.

Two ways to get a ballpark idea if your weight is healthy or not: body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

BMI measures your height compared to your weight. But experts note that BMI doesn’t measure belly fat, and that’s important. Too much belly fat can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Waist circumference (waist size) takes belly fat into account and helps predict your risk of health problems from being overweight. Women whose waist measures more than 35 inches and men whose waist measures more than 40 inches are at higher risk. Losing weight can reduce belly fat and lower that risk!

To measure your waist correctly, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out.





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Sentara Health Plans and Optima Health are trade names of Sentara Health Plans, Sentara Health Insurance Company, Sentara Health Administration, Inc., and Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Optima Health Insurance Company is an additional trade name for Sentara Health Insurance Company. Virginia Premier Health Plan is an additional trade name for Sentara Health Plans. Optima Behavioral Health is an additional trade name for Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Optima Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) products, and Point-of-Service (POS) products, are issued and underwritten by Sentara Health Plans. Optima Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) products are issued and underwritten by Sentara Health Insurance Company. Sentara Health Administration, Inc. provides administrative services to group and individual health plans but does not underwrite benefits. All Optima Health plans have benefit exclusions and limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Medicare products are administered under an agreement with Sentara Health Plans and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.) Medicaid and FAMIS products are administered under an agreement with Sentara Health Plans and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS.)