Many people have an idea of what their ideal weight is. But weight isn't just a number or a cosmetic issue -- it's a health issue. Individuals who are overweight run a greater risk for a number of heart and health conditions that could lead to premature death. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to living longer and avoiding the complications that can come with weight troubles. There are a few ways you can assess your body and weight to determine whether weight loss is something you should consider.
Body Mass Index
Body mass index is a simplified formula that takes your weight, height and age and generates a number to serve as a score based on your body mass. This score is then categorized according to a scale -- any score of more than 25 is overweight, while scores of 30 and more are considered very overweight. Individuals with scores of 40 or more are considered morbidly obese. While the formula is not perfect, failing to take into account body structure and muscle mass vs. fat mass, it is nonetheless helpful to both doctors and individuals in helping assess body weight and health. Anyone with scores above 25 may want to consider weight loss.
Heart Disease Risk Factors
According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals who are overweight should attempt to lose weight if they have two or more risk factors for obesity. These risk factors include high blood cholesterol, diabetes and a hereditary disposition toward being overweight and obese. There also is an increased risk of other problems, including high blood cholesterol and heart disease.
Lifestyle Changes
The best way to promote weight loss is through lifestyle changes that can be maintained for a long period of time. Exercise several times a week to burn calories, and eat a reduced-calorie diet to create a calorie deficit. This diet should feature many servings of fruits and vegetables, which serve as ruffage to fill you up without gorging you with calories.
Considerations
Although you may not need to lose weight in order to preserve your health, you should aim to maintain your weight to avoid increasing your BMI as well as your risk factors for heart disease and other health conditions, including diabetes. If obesity runs in your family, talk to your doctor about other ways you can maintain or lose weight to keep your body and your health under control.
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