Healthy foods, drinks, and snacks and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Good lifestyle choices may also help men and women avoid health issues.

Today, many people struggle with weight. Over 39% of Americans are obese.1 Weight gain can cause heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and other chronic illnesses. Setting health goals may reduce your risk of weight-related health issues.

BMI can determine if you're overweight, obese, or healthy. BMI measures weight-to-height ratio. BMI can be calculated online NIH external link. Healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9. A BMI of 25–29.9 is overweight. Obesity is BMI 30 or higher.

Another important measurement is waist size. Women and men with waist sizes over 35 and 40 inches may have more health issues. Men are more likely to carry belly fat than women. Even if they're not overweight, abdominal fat can lead to health issues.

Weight gain can be caused by eating too much, not sleeping enough, and not exercising enough. These factors may affect weight and health.

Weight gain can be caused by eating too much, not sleeping enough, and not exercising enough. These factors may affect weight and health.

Your daily intake depends on weight, age, metabolism, and activity. Most men need more calories than women. Youth require more calories than midlife and older adults. More active adults need more calories at all ages.

Maintaining a healthy weight may require controlling food and drink portions. Visit MyPlate.gov to learn about healthy eating and proper food and beverage amounts.