How do you know whether you are well?

You can’t just step on the scale to know if you are well. Normal weight is not an indicator of wellness. It is possible to be overweight and healthy or thin and sick. Waist circumference may be a better predictor of health risk than weight in anyone regardless of their body mass index (BMI). A waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men or greater than 35 inches for women indicates an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Our lifestyles affect our wellness. According to the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 percent of chronic disease is diet-related and one third of premature deaths are attributable to poor nutrition and physical inactivity. We have the ability to reduce our risk of many diseases by being mindful of our diet and getting the physical activity our bodies require.