Weight management is a balance of a healthy diet and exercise to get to and stay at your ideal weight. It is a long-term approach to living a healthy lifestyle. Brian Johnson, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota wellness coach, shares some tips to help you manage your weight.
Q: Why is weight management important?
A: Struggling with your weight has a negative effect on your physical health and wellness. It may make you unable to perform any number of common daily activities. It could also impact your social and emotional wellness.
Q: What are the risks of being overweight or underweight?
A: Some of the risks of being underweight are osteoporosis, anemia, fatigue and a weakened immune system. Some of the risks of being overweight are high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
Q: How do I find out what my ideal weight is?
A: Everybody’s ideal weight is going to be different. There are many charts that can be a useful guide to determine your best weight. Not everyone fits into the charts’ definition of ideal weight because everyone’s body is different. The best way to know if you are at your best weight is to talk with your doctor at your annual check-up.
Q: What are some tips to manage my weight?
A: There are small changes you can make each day to help manage your weight. Some of them include:
- Portion control – Eat small and healthy snacks throughout the day to avoid overeating at lunch and dinner.
- Reduce calories – Trade juice and soda for water. Add lemon, cucumber or strawberry slices to your water for flavor.
- Add physical activity into your day – Park in the back of the parking lot, or use the printer furthest from your desk to get a few more steps in.
- Keep it up – Take a morning walk with a coworker or schedule a later afternoon healthy snack. Working with someone will help keep you accountable in the long-run.
We can help you manage your weight
If you’re worried about your weight, understanding how much you need to lose is the first step. As a Blue Cross member, you can log in to your member site to see what wellness tools and programs are available to you on your weight loss journey.
Consult an expert, like your doctor, before starting a weight loss program.
More health and wellbeing tips
Blue Cross health programs and discounts
Learn about preventive care
Simple ways to stress less
Must-have tips for healthy eating