How Do I Know If I’m Overweight?  👘👓

Let’s be real. At some point, we’ve all asked ourselves this question. Maybe your jeans don’t fit like they used to. Maybe you run a little and suddenly feel like you need an ambulance. Or maybe your auntie looks at you with that “hmm, you’ve gained weight” face. That’s when the thought hits: Am I overweight? Relax. You are not the only one asking this. Many people think the same thing every single day, and the answer is not just about looking skinny or chubby. It’s about your health. Let’s break it down. 

What Does “Overweight” Really Mean?
 
Being overweight does not simply mean you look bigger in photos or that your belly shakes when you laugh (It takes effect on everyone, by the way ). Overweight means your body is carrying more fat than what is healthy for your height. Notice I said healthy, not perfect or skinny? You can be slim but unhealthy. You can be fat and still very fit. The main question is: Is my body carrying more weight than it can handle without harming my health? 

Imagine your body like a backpack. If you’re supposed to carry 5 books but you’re carrying 15, the straps dig into your shoulders, your back aches, and walking gets harder. That’s what happens when your body carries more weight than it’s designed for. 

Signs You Might Be Overweight (Without a Calculator)🌚⌚

1. Clothes don’t fit anymore. That pair of jeans that used to be your favorite? If it’s now at the bottom of the closet, maybe it’s not the dryer’s fault. 
2. Stairs feel like punishment. Halfway up, you’re gasping like you just climbed Mount Everest. 
3. Snoring loudly. If people in the next room can hear you, it could be extra fat around your neck affecting breathing. 
4. Knee or ankle pain. Extra weight puts extra load on your joints. 
5. Always tired. If simple daily tasks leave you drained, your body might be overworking.                                                                                                                    6.Your doctor keeps hinting. You know that look.

However these don’t always mean you’re overweight, but if many are true, it’s worth checking.

The BMI Test 🧤⏳
Here’s the simple way doctors check: BMI (Body Mass Index). 
It’s a number you get from dividing your weight by your height squared. But don’t panic. there are calculators online that do it for you. 
● 18.5 – 24.9 = Healthy weight 
● 25 – 29.9 = Overweight 
● 30 and above = Obese 
These are just standard numbers for a healthy weight. You and your friend may weigh the same, but your friend is a gym addict with muscles of steel, while you haven’t exercised since P.E. class in school. BMI will call both of you “overweight,” even though your friend could probably carry you up a hill without breaking a sweat. That’s why BMI is just a guide, not the final answer. Sounds simple, right? But here’s the catch  BMI is not perfect. It does not know if your weight comes from muscle or fat. For example, an athlete with strong muscles can look “overweight” on BMI, even though they’re super healthy. So use BMI as a guide, not as the final answer.

 
Why Does A Healthy Weight Matter?

It’s not just about looks. Extra weight can lead to money sucking health problems like: 
1. Diabetes 
2. Heart disease 
3. High blood pressure 
4. Breathing problems when sleeping 

But here’s the good news, weight is not fixed forever. Small changes in habits can make a big difference over time.

 
Final Thoughts💕

Yes, a healthy weight helps your body, but when it comes to weight, it's not just about having that mind blowing curves. It's about being active and having total control of your body weight. On top of that, weight isn't the detector of value and worth, so do not let a number on a machine measure your confidence and outward demeanor.

Stay tuned, in the next blog, our topic will be “What's the Healthiest Way to Lose Weight Without Hurting Myself?”