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Weight Management

Body Mass Index

You may have noticed that your doctor and RD case manager measure your weight in pounds but they often talk about your health risk regarding weight in terms of body mass index or BMI. BMI stands for Body Mass I ndex. It is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height. BMI can be calculated with simple math using inches and pounds, or meters and kilograms. For adults aged 20 years or older, BMI falls into one of these categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. To find out your BMI, go to:

Centers for Disease Control:

    http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/index.htm

 

Weight Loss and Maintenance

Losing weight and keeping it off is a challenge for most people.  That's why it's important to begin a weight loss program with the help of your ICAN team. 

Your RD case manager can help you find ways to decrease calories but still consume the foods you enjoy.  And your fitness trainer can help you to become more active. Both can suggest strategies to help you change old habits for new ones.

It's important to remember that losing even a relatively small amount of weight can reduce your risk for diabetes problems and other serious medical conditions.  The key is to lose the weight in a way that is healthy and can be lasting.

There are many good websites. Below are a few:

        http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/for_life.htmm

       http://www.diabetes.org/weightloss-and-exercise/weightloss.jsp

Physical activity and weight control:

        http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/physical.htm

Weight management from the US Dept of Health & Human Services:

        http://www.smallstep.gov

Aetna’s Intelihealth website. A guide to nutrition and weight management:

       http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/325/28908.html  

For Women:

        http://www.brighamandwomens.org/healtheweightforwomen/