Body Weight

Healthy eating and physical activity are great for everyone.

A healthy weight lowers your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, and some types of cancer. Keeping a healthy weight is important for American Indian and Alaska Natives because more than 80 percent of our adults ages 20 to 74 are overweight or obese.

Have General Body Weight Question?

You can also visit the Indian Health Service Healthy Weight for Life website for information about getting you, your family, and your community to a healthy weight, and tips for keeping a healthy weight.

One way to see if you are at a healthy weight is to check your Body Mass Index (BMI). The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has an online BMI calculator Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  for adults aged 20 and older. To find out if your children are at a healthy weight, talk with their health care provider.

Is your BMI not where you want it to be? Do you want to eat healthier and become more active? Small changes can make lasting results.

• Stand up and walk in place while watching TV
• Eat a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar
• Drink water instead of soda
• Have half a piece of frybread instead of a full piece, or save frybread for special occasions only

Resources

Indian Health Service Healthy Weight for Life
Answers what is a healthy weight, steps you can take to achieve or keep a healthy weight throughout your life, and success stories.

Let’s Move Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
First Lady Michelle Obama’s challenge to get America moving and eating healthier.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Weight Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
This website has tools, information, and resources for helping you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

Physical Activity Kit
For schools, communities, worksites, Head Start programs, elderly centers, and youth programs.