Is ‘Ideal Weight’ a Thing?

Everyone has a mental image etched in their minds of what they should see when they look in the mirror. We all have an ideal body image, but does an ideal weight truly exist? Is there a specific number on the scale that indicates perfect health?

Clearly, there isn't, although we might wish it were so. It would certainly simplify matters to have a specific number to aim for, especially for those who are pragmatic. In reality, the concept of an ideal weight is more abstract, something closer to a feeling than a numeric value. What you should really focus on is ideal health, not ideal weight. To embrace this, we first need to discard the whole notion of "ideal weight" by debunking a few myths.

4 Ideal Weight Myths

1. There is an ideal body shape and size.
   The human body is not a baseball cap. There is no universal fit for body shape or size (weight). To determine if you're carrying extra pounds, ask yourself: Can I participate in all the physical activities I desire without feeling constantly out of breath? Do I feel healthy? Am I happy? The answers to these questions are much more indicative of your health than any number on the scale.
2. You can't lose weight because you were born with a slow metabolism.
   While genetics do influence your body shape, factors such as age and gender also play a role. However, activity level and diet are also crucial! If one diet or fitness program doesn’t work, keep trying until you find the right combination that helps you reach your goals.
3. The media accurately portrays what an “ideal weight” looks like.
   We're aware that media portrayals are not reality, yet our subconscious often believes what it sees, and the constant depiction of skinny women and chiseled men can be misleading. Movie stars and cover models dedicate their lives to maintaining a specific appearance (often aided by camera angles and photo retouching). Unless you can afford a live-in personal trainer and chef like they can, it's more productive to reflect on the questions from Myth #1.
4. The skinnier you are, the healthier you are.
   Even if every person were at their healthiest peak physical condition, body sizes and shapes would still vary greatly. Thus, being "skinny" does not automatically mean being "healthy." Being underweight can be just as harmful as being overweight. What your body requires is moderation, not extremes.

Beyond Weight: What Else Matters?

What truly matters is that age-old philosophical challenge: know thyself. Tune into your body, pay close attention to when you feel your best, and determine your healthy weight range. If you're unsure where to start, consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss weight and set personal goals.

As you embark on your journey to a healthier weight, tracking your progress through body measurements can be more effective than using a scale. Measure your waist, hips, belly, arms, and legs now, and repeat weekly. Making this a habit not only keeps you motivated but also ensures you stay on track. Body measurements are an excellent indicator of healthy progress because, even if the scale doesn’t show significant changes (as you replace fat with muscle), your body composition will improve.

It’s also crucial to examine what you perceive as "normal," not just in terms of weight. For instance, if you and your friends meet weekly for coffee and everyone indulges in a cinnamon roll, your brain might start to see this habit as normal. As you can imagine, it’s easy for unhealthy behaviors to become norms if they're a regular part of your life and reinforced by your social circle. Be mindful of your behavioral patterns and adjust any that may hinder your progress towards a healthy weight.

Finally, be realistic. Setting achievable goals is the key to staying motivated and enthusiastic about making healthy changes.