Weight in Americans has been a tough subject and a hot topic discussed by many. According to our text, "Medical professionals say that two-thirds of all Americans are overweight and excess weight has about the same effect on life expectancy as smoking" (Dugopolski, 2012). Many people in America battle with being over-weight and even with being obese. Using the formula for body mass index allows one to determine what category they are in when it comes to their weight versus their height. Having these categories, or intervals, of weight can be a good or bad thing when it comes to ones self-esteem or well-being. I say this because there are many people out there who would technically being in an obese category but still healthier than most people and feel that they are not pretty or feel they need to starve themselves in order to get down into a lower weight category. On the other hand, having these categories can be a good thing to give one a sense of reality when it comes to their health and possibly push them into a healthier lifestyle. Knowing your BMI comes with good and bad, but knowing what to do with that knowledge is what makes a difference.