Excess belly fat is a common symptom of people who are diagnosed as overweight or obese. According to MedlinePlus, men with a waist measurement over 40 inches and women with waists larger than 35 inches are more susceptible to diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. If you're unsure whether your body fat is higher than average, calculate your body mass index and talk to your doctor about the results.
How Much Is Too Much?
Although it may seem like an aesthetic concern, excess belly fat can be a precursor to serious health conditions. Measure your waist by placing a tape measure around your bare abdomen just above your hipbone and pulling until it fits snugly around your skin. Make sure you're relaxed and not sucking in your body when taking the results. If your circumference is larger than 35 or 40 inches, you may at a greater risk for heart disease and diseases.
Body Mass Index
Your body mass index is a two-digit number that's computed by a specific formula that tallies your weight and height. People with a BMI of 18 to 24 are considered normal; scores of 25 to 29 are considered overweight. BMIs of 30 and above are classified as obese. Find out your BMI by inserting your height and weight into an online calculator such as the one provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. BMI has its flaws, with potential for misleading results in some instances. For example, people with a high percentage of muscle mass have higher BMI levels that may not accurately reflect their health condition.
Weight-Loss Strategies
If you're overweight and want to start burning off excess pounds, begin by reducing the amount of calories you consume and increasing the amount that you burn off with exercise. According to MayoClinic.com, the most reliable method for burning fat is to create a calorie deficit with your diet and exercise habits. For each pound you want to lose you must burn 3,500 calories, which can be spaced out over a few days, a week or a month as you feel comfortable.
Safety Concerns
Talk to your doctor if you feel you're overweight or obese, and ask for advice on reaching your weight-loss goals. Make sure you're healthy enough before engaging in an intensive exercise regimen, and always check with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet. For best results, recruit a friend or personal trainer to join your routine to help encourage you.
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