Men are increasingly having a hard time maintaining a normal body weight. Being underweight and overweight both come with serious health problems and need to be avoided. Knowing what a male's normal body weight is, and working to maintain it with proper diet and exercise, can help every man live a healthier life.
Definition
Normal body weight for both males and females aged 20 and over is defined by the CDC as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. A formula is used to calculate a person's BMI based on his or her height and weight. Those who have a BMI below 18.5 are considered underweight, while BMIs of 25 to 29.9 indicate that someone is overweight. A BMI more than 30 indicates a person is obese. If another form of assessment is desired, you can also try a waist circumference measurement.
Assessment
You can use a calculator on the Internet to find your BMI (see Resources). If you are under the age of 20, you will need to access the CDC website provided in the Resources to compare your BMI with those of other males of your age and height. Should you choose to measure your waist, simply wrap a tape measure around your bare abdomen above the hip bone; exhale and measure. A male waistline over 40 inches is indicative of increased risk for obesity-related conditions.
Function
Normal weight is necessary for healthy living. Being underweight is often a result of poor diet or malnutrition, but can result as a side effect from certain medications or from certain diseases and conditions. Being overweight, conversely, is associated with a poor diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol, accompanied by little or no exercise. However, being overweight can also be caused by certain medications, diseases and conditions.
Significance
In 2007, the CDC reported that U.S. males were catching up to the high obesity rates of females, causing obesity prevention to become a top public health priority. Two years earlier, the CDC revealed that both underweight and obese individuals were at a higher risk for death. Not having a normal body weight comes with risks on either end, leading to reduced overall health and lower quality of life.
Considerations
The CDC describes BMI as a "fairly reliable indicator of body fatness for most people," leaving wiggle room for people who may have exceptionally heavy/lean body types. It is possible to have a BMI outside of the normal range, but still be a healthy individual. Ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding your body weight, so that you can talk about your diet and physical activities if necessary.
Tags: body weight, Being underweight, certain medications, diseases conditions, from certain, normal body, normal body weight
