Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is an important part of managing your overall health and wellbeing. BMI is a simple measurement that helps determine whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height. Although it doesn’t tell the whole story about your health, it is a useful starting point for understanding your body composition and identifying potential health risks.

What Is BMI?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a numerical value calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (kg/m²). The resulting figure provides an indication of whether you are underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

While BMI is widely used as a quick and easy health assessment tool, it’s important to note that it doesn’t distinguish between muscle and fat. This means that individuals with higher muscle mass, such as athletes, might have a higher BMI without necessarily having excess body fat.

BMI Categories

–> Underweight – BMI less than 18.5

–> Healthy weight – BMI between 18.5 and 24.9

–> Overweight – BMI between 25 and 29.9

–> Obese – BMI 30 or higher

These categories help healthcare professionals assess your general health risk and discuss possible lifestyle changes if necessary.

Why a Healthy BMI Matters

Maintaining a healthy BMI can lower your risk of developing several chronic conditions, including:

–> Heart disease and high blood pressure

–> Type 2 diabetes

–> Certain types of cancer

–> Stroke

–> Joint problems and mobility issues

Being underweight can also have health consequences, such as a weakened immune system, low bone density, and nutrient deficiencies. The goal isn’t to achieve a “perfect number,” but to find a range that supports your long-term wellbeing.

Factors That Influence BMI

While diet and exercise play major roles in your BMI, other factors can affect your weight and how your body stores fat, including:

–> Genetics: Your family history can influence your metabolism and body composition.

–> Age: As you get older, your metabolism slows, making it easier to gain weight.

–> Muscle Mass: Muscle weighs more than fat, which can slightly increase your BMI.

–> Hormonal Changes: Conditions such as thyroid disorders can impact weight regulation.

–> Medications: Some prescriptions can cause weight changes as a side effect.

Understanding these influences can help you make more informed decisions about your health and seek the right professional support when needed.

How to Maintain a Healthy BMI

Achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI involves adopting a balanced approach to diet, activity, and lifestyle. Simple but effective changes can make a big difference over time:

–> Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

–> Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

–> Monitor portion sizes: Even healthy foods can lead to weight gain when eaten in excess.

–> Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps control hunger and supports overall health.

–> Get enough sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.

Combining these habits with regular health check-ups can help you maintain a healthy BMI and identify potential issues early.

When to Seek Professional Support

If your BMI falls outside the healthy range, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unhealthy — but it’s a good reason to talk to a healthcare professional. At Townhead Pharmacy in Kilwinning, our team can offer guidance on:

–> Healthy weight management strategies

–> Diet and lifestyle adjustments

–> Weight loss treatments, including medically supervised options

–> Monitoring progress with regular BMI checks

Our pharmacists take a holistic approach to health, offering advice that fits your individual circumstances and goals. Whether you’re looking to lose, gain, or maintain weight, we can help you make practical, sustainable changes.

Find Your Balance with Townhead Pharmacy

Understanding your BMI is a valuable step toward improving your health — but it’s only part of the picture. Working with professionals ensures you receive personalised advice and ongoing support for long-term success.

If you’d like to learn more about maintaining a healthy BMI or discuss tailored weight management solutions, our friendly team is here to help.

Book now to arrange your consultation at Townhead Pharmacy in Kilwinning and take the first step towards better health and wellbeing.

This blog was written on behalf of Townhead Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.