For some people, the necessity to lose weight is definite they should check their body mass index. Individuals with extremely high body weight that places them in the morbidly obese or simple obese categories are clearly aware that the pounds on them are too many and need to be shed off. On the other side, people who are just above average would wish to lose weight but the question in many people’s mind is how much weight needs to be lost in order to get in the ‘healthy’ category.
Body Mass Index Measure Height To Weight Ratio
Thanks to advancement in technology, doctors today have different ways of measuring the necessity to lose weight. Gone are the days when doctors and patients relied on an insurance company’s chart that indicated ‘ideal weights’. Today, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most common way of measuring weight in relation to an individual’s height.
Generally, it is a very accurate way of showing the muscle to fat ratio, although it has some limitations. First off, it can overestimate the body mass index of an older person or generally people with low muscle mass and secondly, it can miscalculate the BMI of an athlete simply because the muscle is much dense and weighs heavier than fat.
Use An Online Body Mass Index Calculator
You can find many body mass index BMI calculators online to help you calculate your BMI. If your BMI shows 18.5, it means you are underweight, if it shows anything between 18.5 and 24.9, it means you are normal, 25.0 and 29.9 means you are overweight and 30.0 and above means you are obese. Any BMI above 25.0 is considered risky hence a doctor or professional can advice you on the best weight loss plan. Check your BMI Body Mass Index Calculator
Benefits of losing weight
- Reduces risk of arthritis and pain related to it – different forms of arthritis have been directly linked to weight issues thus losing extra pounds reduces the pressure put on joints, the back, hips, knees, and ankles
- Reduces risks of heart disease; the American Heart Association reports that coronary complications are directly related to weight hence when you lose weight and regulate your BMI, you will reduce your risks of coronary problems.
- Reduces the risks of diabetes; research shows that any loss of weight, even as little as 10 pounds, greatly reduces the chances of pre-diabetes becoming diabetes by a whopping 57%.
In order to lose weight, you need to give up your sedentary lifestyle and start exercising even for as little as half an hour each day to lose around 5-7% of your total body weight a year. Your diet also has a role to play and you should really watch what you eat. Fresh fruits and veggies are very nutritious and low on calories. Still on point, you should reduce the amount of refined and over processed foods and instead concentrate on whole grain meals. Remember to check your ideal weight with our body mass index calculator
