BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation based on your weight and height. Since you can't change your height, if you want to improve your BMI you need to change your weight. Losing weight will lower your BMI, and gaining weight will increase your BMI. If you are overweight, losing weight will help you lower your risk for a number of health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Healthy Diet
One of the main ways to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet, consisting of mainly whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources and a small amount of healthy fats. Portion control is also important, since if you eat more calories than you burn through your daily activities, you will gain weight.
Exercise
Exercise can increase the amount of weight you lose and help you to maintain your weight loss. Add more physical activity into your daily life by walking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator and parking farther away from the door in parking lots. Even adding 10 minutes of exercise can help, but for best results try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day.
Children and BMI
Because children are still growing, their BMI calculations need to take into account their age and sex. Different BMIs are healthy at different ages, because children normally have more body fat at certain ages, such as when they are going through puberty. Rather than going on a diet, children should just eat healthier and exercise more to keep their weight from increasing if it is a bit high, recommends KidsHealth.org.
Considerations
Before trying to lose weight to improve your BMI, check to make sure you need to. Doctors consider people with BMIs of 25 and above overweight. Some medications may cause weight gain, including those for diabetes, allergies and high blood pressure, and some health conditions may make weight loss difficult, including hormonal and heart disorders. Speak with your doctor before attempting weight loss to get advice on how to do so safely given your current health conditions.
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