Healthy Weight, Healthy Look Day: Ways To Start Your Healthy Weight Journey

Healthy Weight, Healthy Look Day is observed every second Thursday of January. It aims to shift people's focus on their health by taking a closer look at their weight.

There isn't a single appearance or "look" that determines whether a person is healthy. As Healthline notes, "Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes." One doesn't have to be skinny or slim to be considered "healthy," and someone who's more on the plus side may still be in good health, according to National Today.

There are a number of factors that determine a person's weight, and they include bone mass and height. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people can also gain weight even though they are consuming the same amounts of food as they grow older. That's because metabolism can slow down with age. People's body composition may change with time as well.

On this day, people are encouraged to prioritize their health by taking a closer look at their weight. Although one's weight does not automatically equate to their health status, it is a factor that people need to consider when assessing their overall health and well-being.

"Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and can help you prevent and control many diseases and conditions," the NIH said. "That is why maintaining a healthy weight is so important: It helps you lower your risk for developing these problems, helps you feel good about yourself, and gives you more energy to enjoy life."

Start Your Healthy Weight Journey

People can take this occasion as an opportunity to begin working on achieving or maintaining a healthy weight. One way they can do this is by checking their body mass index (BMI), which is said to be a reliable indicator of body fatness. Others may also begin an appropriate exercise routine or perhaps a healthier diet.

Those who need help may check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "My Food and Beverage Diary," which can help them stay on top of their food consumption. There's also U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate Plan, through which they can find a personalized food plan based on their height, weight, age and physical activity level.

Some may also look into tips on how they can still enjoy their favorite foods while eating healthier so they can maintain an ideal weight. For instance, people can choose to eat their favorite comfort food less often or in smaller amounts. They may also consider balancing it with healthier foods and doing more physical activity, the CDC noted.

Those who are quite skilled in the kitchen may even experiment with trying lower-calorie versions of their favorite foods by using healthier alternatives to their go-to ingredients.

Individuals who are not sure where to start may discuss their weight with a doctor who may help find the right and safe kind of physical activity for them. For older people, for instance, simple activities like gardening, swimming or dancing may help them become more physically active.

"Being active and choosing healthy foods has health benefits for everyone — no matter your age or weight," the NIH said.