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 over 80 percent of our adults, ages 20 to 74, are overweight or obese.
One way to see if you are at a healthy weight is to check your Body Mass Index (BMI), the calculator to the right is for adults 20 years old 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 your favorite TV program
- Eat a piece of fruit instead of your afternoon 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
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.