Understanding Weight

Quick Facts

  • Healthy weight is an important part of overall health.
  • Unhealthy weight can lead to problems with heart, metabolic and kidney health.
  • Health care professionals can help with tools to understand and manage your weight.

Understanding Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of overall health.

Everyone’s journey is different. Healthy choices made over time can make a difference for your body and quality of life.
Group of adults during yoga class

How Weight Impacts Body Systems

Why weight matters for overall health fact sheetWeight is an important part of metabolic health, the system that helps the body create, store, and use energy. Metabolic health is closely connected to heart and kidney health.

These systems are often described together as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health, since they work together and are all connected.

When weight reaches an unhealthy level, it can lead to higher blood pressure and blood glucose (sugar), along with lower heart and kidney function. Over time, these changes can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.

View fact sheet: Why Weight Matters for Your Overall Health (PDF)

Illustration of human heart
Living with excess weight increases risk of heart disease and stroke by at least 21% for men and 32% for women. As weight increases, so does risk.
Illustration of blood pressure monitor
Higher BMI is associated with increased risk for high blood pressure.
Illustration of glucose monitor
Higher BMI is linked to higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Illustration of a scale with tape measure wrapped around it
Higher waist circumference and higher BMI are associated with lower kidney function.

Talking about weight with a health care professional

It's OK to Talk about Weight fact sheet

Weight change can be normal in certain life stages due to growth, age-related hormone changes or other factors. A health care professional can help you understand some possible reasons for weight changes and how to stay healthy in every season of life.

View the fact sheet:

It's OK to Talk About Weight (PDF)

Managing weight

Body weight is affected by many different things. Genetics, hormones and metabolism play a role in how the body loses, maintains and gains weight. Mental health, stress levels and medications also play a part. In addition, economic and community factors, such as access to healthy food, safe places to exercise and the ability to seek health care, can affect body weight.

In some cases, a health care professional may talk to you about clinical interventions to support weight management. These conversations may include options such as prescription medications, behavioral therapy or even surgical treatments, depending on your overall health and individual needs. 

Finding Support

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Healthy Living BEYOND Weight

Make a difference! Help us learn how to manage weight better.
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Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight can be challenging, but you’re not alone.
Discover supportive tips to help you stay on track