The majority of North Americans are concerned with being overweight and obesity.
We tend to look at being thin as being healthy, but it is possible to be thin and unhealthy, just as it is possible to be slightly overweight and healthy.
How do we really know if thin is too thin? The BMI (Body Mass Index) is often used to gauge whether a person is over or underweight.
The BMI of less than 19 for women and less than 20 for men is considered underweight.
What are YOUR measurements? A good way to measure yourself is to place a measuring tape around the smallest area below your rib cage but above your belly button.
For men, the ideal waist measurement should be 31 to 36 inches; overweight is between 36 and 40 inches; and obese is over 40 inches.
For women the waist measurement 28 to 33 inches is normal; 33 to 37 inches is overweight; and over 37 inches is overweight.
Keep in mind that these measurements all depend on an individual's body size and shape.
For those who have a muscular body you may find your numbers are on the lower side of the overweight measurements; even though you are at an average weight for your body type.
This is just a simple way to help you determine your size.
Being underweight does have health risks Being underweight does come with health risks that include being malnourished, anemia, fertility problems, heart problems, and hormonal imbalances, lowered resistance to infection, chronic fatigue and lack of energy, along with a host of other health related concerns.
It is important to understand your body and your nutritional needs.