Finding Your Healthy Weight

Stay Young Bureau | Jul 14, 2023, 17:30 IST

Let’s deep dive into a holistic approach to body weight control.

Going by the popular saying: “Eating nutritious food is the foundation of a healthy body weight, but it is the consistent, healthy habits that make it a lifestyle.”

Yes! When we speak of overall wellness, your body weight has a role to play. Have you been following the traditional dieting and weight loss approaches? And have eventually found them unsustainable and ineffective in the long run? Your experience could be real. And this is the change a holistic approach to body weight control can bring about for you.

Why is it important to know your body’s natural weight range?

Each of our bodies has a natural set point, which is the weight range. This range tends to settle when you are eating a balanced diet and engaging in moderate physical activity. Also, the range will be different from person to person; it can be driven by genetics, age, and other factors. And what happens when the body is forced to go beyond its natural set point? It can lead to an erratic cycle of weight loss and regain. Hence, for better long-term outcomes, it is important to work with your body to find a weight range that feels healthy and sustainable.

How does nutrition help in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight?

We often focus on restrictions and deprivations. How about a holistic approach to nutrition that emphasises balance, variety, and whole foods? Curious to know what this means? It means that you can eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. It also means going beyond counting calories and tracking macros and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Consuming nutrient-rich food helps the body gain the required energy and promotes overall well-being, and this can further help in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight.

Beware: stress, sleep, and physical activity does impact weight control

While nutrition is one critical component; stress, lack of sleep, and being inactive can also result in weight gain. These also pose a challenge in maintaining a healthy weight. Here it becomes only prudent that you arrive at ways to manage stress, prioritise sleep, and ensure physical activity in your daily routine. How about taking up a new hobby or activity such as yoga or hiking? If not this, how about finding ways to move around throughout the day? For instance, taking a walk during your lunch break, walking while you are on a call, or parking farther away from your destination. It is these small and sustainable lifestyle changes with which your body can attain and sustain a healthy weight.

Cultivate a positive body image and self-esteem

Going beyond the physical aspects of health, body weight control is also about the mental and emotional aspects. Here, the powerful tools for maintaining a healthy weight range would be to cultivate a positive body image and self-esteem. This might mean choosing your company right – being around family and friends who support your health goals, or even keeping yourself occupied with reading a good book. It might also mean challenging negative self-talk or societal messages that equate thinness with beauty or worth. Embrace these and you will be better equipped to choose what supports your overall health and wellbeing.

…and when do healthcare professionals step in?

Ultimately, a lot lies in self-acceptance. While arriving at the desired body weight could be a challenge, it is absolutely normal and natural to seek assistance and medical advice when necessary. How can this be done? A qualified dietitian can create a personalised nutrition plan, or you can consult a therapist to work through any mental or emotional barriers to weight control. Seeking support and guidance from these professionals would help in managing your weight and improving your overall health.

Knowing your healthy body weight might not be the easiest, but it is not impossible. If you have not yet started following a holistic approach, it is never too late to get started. After all, all's well that ends well.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.