I have campers ask me this ALL the time:

LORS! What is a healthy weight?

And, my answer may surprise you.

Let me first tell you what it is NOT.

It is not your height x your weight.

It is not your wrist measurement x your hip measurement x your neck measurement.

For most, it is NOT what you weighed your freshman year of high school.

And, for some, it is not the actual number on the scale.

So what it is?

It is your body composition.

Whaaat?

That’s right! it is the amount of body fat and lean muscle mass you are carry around on your frame.

Muscle weighs more than fat.

So you can weigh “less” and look thin, but not be healthy. This is because without lean muscle mass, your body will struggle to function (and burn less calories). And, with more body fat, you actually increase your risk of heart disease.

When I was in the Army, they had weight requirements. I felt confident this would never be a problem for me, since I worked out every day and lifted weights (I LOVE to lift).

After our weigh-ins, the commander called me in his office and said I would need to be put on a special plan due to my “unhealthy” weight. I was shocked and speechless (I know, hard to believe).

I asked the criteria in which they measured. After hearing the process, I requested my body fat measured. If I came up in the “healthy” category for body fat, I would be able to forgo this special program (which to this day, I have no idea what it is). As you can guess, my body fat was ideal for my age and sex.

And, what is even crazier, everyone who was getting their body fat measured with me was in super shape and super fit. We all laughed at the ridiculousness of the Army’s “ideal” weight.

And, what I learned as I stayed in the fitness and wellness industry is many organizations STILL use these outdated methods to tell you about your “ideal” weight.

So, if you really want to know your level of wellness, have a professional measure your body fat.

This number will tell you all you need to know.

You’re welcome :)

Smiles,
Lors

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Now get out there, and keep going for your goals one step at a time. Invest in yourself!

Hoo-Aah!
The BCC Team