Food and fitness for a healthy weight

You have probably heard the term "calorie" used a lot. When talking about food, a calorie is a unit of energy that the food supplies to your body. But when talking about physical activity, a calorie is a measure of the energy that your body uses in performing the activity.

More information on food and fitness for a healthy weight

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Heart-Healthy Eating Fact Sheet — This fact sheet provides information on how healthy eating habits can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. It explains what a healthy portion is and how to make heart-healthy food choices.
• Overweight, Obesity, and Weight Loss Fact Sheet — This fact sheet defines obesity and explains some of the factors that contribute to becoming overweight or obese. It provides statistics on how many women are obese, explains the serious health problems associated with obesity, and discusses how obese women can lose weight to improve their health.
• Physical Activity Fact Sheet — This fact sheet explains the benefits of exercise for people of all ages, how much exercise you should get each day, and when you should talk to your doctor.

Explore other publications and websites

• Balancing Calories — This Web page has information on balancing your calorie intake with exercise. It also has a question and answer section about calories.
• Calculate Your Body Mass Index — The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. Enter your weight and height to find your BMI. The BMI tables will help you determine whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
• ChooseMyPlate.gov — This interactive site is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and gives information on how much of each food group you should eat each day. It also includes tips and resources for planning a well-balanced and healthy diet.
• Fit and Fabulous as You Mature — This publication explains why obesity is a health problem for aging Americans. It discusses the benefits of physical activity and the health risks of poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. It also gives tips for how to become more active and eat better.
• Girlfriends' Health and Safety Tips — You and your girlfriends can help each other keep both mentally and physically fit. This fact sheet has information about how you can support and inform the women that are close to you.
• Guide to Behavior Change — If you are overweight, making these changes will reduce your risk for health problems including, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, arthritis, gall bladder disease, gynecologic problems, some cancers, and lung problems.
• Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Better Health and You: Tips for Adults — This booklet gives information on weight gain and obesity in adults. It also includes information on eating healthy, getting active, and losing weight.
• Just Enough for You: About Food Portions — This booklet provides information on the difference between a portion and a serving. It also includes tips on how to control portion size at home and when eating out.
• Nutrition and Activity Quiz (Copyright © American Cancer Society)(link is external) — Are you making healthy choices when it comes to nutrition and physical activity? Find out by taking this quick quiz.
• Weight-loss and Nutrition Myths — This publication provides information on how to lose weight and maintain a well-balanced diet. It also debunks many popular myths about dieting and weight loss.

Connect with other organizations

• American Council on Exercise(link is external)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics(link is external)
• Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, CDC
• Food and Nutrition Information Center, USDA
• International Food Information Council Foundation(link is external)
• Nutrition.gov
• President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
• Weight-control Information Network