If you're overweight, or obese, there are a variety of reasons for you to lose weight. Losing weight will not only help you to look and feel better, but it will also reduce your risk of developing many chronic diseases. Obesity can lead to serious health problems, so losing weight is typically your best option for improving your overall health.
BMI
Generally, you should lose weight only if you're overweight, obese or morbidly obese, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you're underweight, or at a normal weight, you shouldn't attempt to lose weight. Your weight classification is based on your body mass index, or BMI -- a calculation of your weight versus height. Most doctors will calculate your BMI during regular checkups. A BMI of below 18.5 means you're likely underweight and a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 means you're at a normal weight, the Mayo Clinic says. If you have a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9, you're overweight, while a BMI of 30.0 or higher is classified as obese. A BMI of 40 or higher is categorized as morbid obesity.
If you want to calculate your BMI, the formula is your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared and multiplied by a conversion factor of 703, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For example, say you weigh 150 pounds and are 5 feet, 5 inches -- or 65 inches -- tall. The calculation would be 150 divided by 65 squared, multiplied by 703. First, calculate 65 inches squared -- 65 multiplied by 65 -- which equals 4,225. Then, 150 pounds divided by 4,225 equals 0.0355. This number multiplied by the conversion factor 703 -- 0.0355 times 703 -- gives you your BMI calculation, which would equal 24.96.
Benefits
Second to smoking, obesity is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Carrying excess amounts of body fat can negatively affect your health; losing weight, if you're overweight or obese, can improve your physical appearance, increase your energy and boost your physical abilities. Losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing many chronic diseases.
Risk Reduction
If you're overweight or obese, with a BMI of more than 25, you're at a greater risk for a variety of serious chronic diseases, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Your risks for high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes are higher when you're overweight or obese. Losing weight to achieve a normal BMI can help reduce your risks for sleep apnea, varicose veins, gallbladder disease and skin problems, as well as breast, prostate, colon and endometrial cancers, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Weight loss can also reduce your chances of developing depression, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and gynecological problems like irregular menstrual cycles or infertility, the Mayo Clinic notes. Overweight or obese men have increased risks for prostate-related conditions, while obesity in pregnant women can increase risks for preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications, cautions the University of Michigan Health System.
Considerations
Keep in mind that some people who register a high BMI may not actually be overweight or obese, because they may simply have lots of muscle mass, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Your doctor can include your BMI calculation in your overall health assessment, to determine whether you need to lose weight.
In addition to increasing your risks for chronic health problems and diseases, being overweight or obese can affect your quality of life in other ways. Obesity can lead to disability, social isolation, sexual problems, physical discomfort and emotional problems, the Mayo Clinic says. If you carry excess weight around your abdomen and have a large waist circumference, you may have further increased risks for health problems, because excess abdominal fat is particularly harmful to your health, cautions the University of Michigan Health System. If you want to begin a weight-loss plan, talk with your doctor about the exercise regiment and diet that's right for your individual health status and abilities.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Achieving and Maintaining a Healthful Weight
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Step 1 -- The Benefits of a Healthy Weight
- Mayo Clinic: Obesity
- University of Michigan Health System: Weight Loss and Obesity
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: BMI Calculator
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