There are many reasons why being a healthy weight is important.
Did you know that a person with a BMI of between 30 and 35 may die two to four years earlier than someone of a healthy weight?1
And a person with a BMI of between 40 and 45 may die eight to 10 years earlier.1
People who are very underweight may also not live as long as those who are a healthy weight.
But it’s not just about the risk of dying younger, it’s also about your quality of life – or how well you feel. People who are a healthy weight have a lower risk of:
Children who are a healthy weight are less likely to be bullied and to have poor self-esteem and eating disorders.1,2
So, being a healthy weight can help you live longer, reduce your chances of developing chronic disease and help you get more out of life.
If you are overweight at the moment, there are lots of other benefits of losing weight that might help to get you motivated. You might like to find out more about getting ready to change.
If you are underweight, there are many benefits of being a healthy weight. Visit your health professional to talk more about these.
[1] National Health and Medical Research Council (2013). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia. Melbourne: NHMRC.
[2] National Health and Medical Research Council (2013)Australian Dietary Guidelines. Canberra: NHMRC.
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