1. Be in Touch With Your BMI
The Body Mass Index indicates how much fat you should lose to be in the recommended range of body fat mass for your height and weight. A calculation of these 2 factors shows how lean you are, from anorexic to morbidly obese. It indicates whether or not you are eligible for a gastric bypass, and it is used by trainers to help clients reach goals when body fat is a concern.
2. General Health Concerns
You want to be in the "normal" to "slightly overweight" categories. When "slightly overweight," you can look and feel completely normal, even when your BMI is higher than you want. It can inspire you, though, especially if you're a woman, to get to a fitness center. BMI is an important consideration if you have high blood pressure, sleep apnea and cholesterol levels.
3. Exceptions to the Rule
Don't be concerned with a BMI rating if you are pregnant, within the first year after giving birth, a body builder or being treated with steroids. These life events and conditions show a higher BMI even though you're not truly overweight. The BMI is a tool to be used by you, not a rating to control you.
4. Exercise for the Morbidly Obese
If you BMI is too high, join a good gym with certified trainers who will guide and monitor your workouts. Don't go to a place that throws you into the gym with a collection of free weights; you won't know what to do and you can hurt yourself. If you don't have money for a gym, buy a good pair of walking shoes with arch supports and walk. Walk until perspiration begins and your breathing becomes a bit labored; that's when you know that you're burning calories. Invest in ankle weights and 5- and 10-pound hand-free weights. Buy a home workout book or get DVDs or tapes geared to beginners.
5. Social Aspects of Being Obese
Be prepared for a lack of manners in the people around you if you are morbidly obese. Public displays of contempt are likely. Not holding the door for you and not looking you in the eye are common reactions. Be aware of the personal anguish of going to restaurants where the booths or seats are too small for you, or having to work your way through a crowded area. These things may cause you to not want to go out and be social. Even though having an up-to-date wardrobe can be expensive and the selection available to morbidly obese people is limited, try to adjust your budget accordingly and do what you can to continually dress well. How you see yourself will influence how others see you. How you carry yourself may change the initially negative impressions based on your weight. Concerning job placement, interviewing and career advancement, society can be very shallow; a slender person is more likely to get, for example, a good position in sales than an overweight person. So take steps to counteract that reality by learning to be confident in yourself, your abilities and who you are while you work to lose weight.
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