How to Know If You Need to Lose Weight

     Sometimes, the need to lose weight is glaringly obvious, while other times it can be a little hard to tell. There is quite a range when it comes to "healthy weight" but certain signs can let you know that you need to drop a few pounds. If you do determine that you need to lose weight, don't worry about how to lose weight fast. Set up a balanced weight loss program so you lose the weight in a healthy fashion and can keep it off. And remember, whether you want to lose weight fast or slowly, consistency is the key to any good weight loss program. Modify your eating habits and move your body, and you should end up seeing results.

One way to tell if you need to drop a few pounds is to punch your height and weight into a BMI calculator. BMI stands for body mass index, and it is a calculation that helps determine if you need to lose weight. A BMI calculator is a tool that's typically found online that calculates your BMI for you. A body mass index of 18.5 or lower means you could stand to gain a few pounds.

If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 you're at your ideal weight, but 25 to 29.9 means you need to lose weight. If the BMI calculator tells you that your BMI is over 30, it means you are technically obese. The BMI calculator is an accurate way to tell if you need to lose weight in most instances. Sometimes, in the case of weight lifters and bodybuilders, you'll get a BMI reading of obese, when that definitely isn't the case. For most people, the BMI calculator will work just fine.

How your weight is distributed on your body is another way to tell if you could lose a few. The apple shape, where people carry more fat around the midsection, is considered to be more dangerous by health experts. Fat can accumulate around your internal organs and cause serious health issues. If you have an apple shaped body, you don't necessarily have to lose weight fast to maintain your health, but you should start a weight loss program sooner rather than later. A waist size of over 40 inches in men or 35 inches in women is another indicator that you should lose weight for the good of your health.

If you have any health issues such as type 2 diabetes, it's likely that losing some weight would help. Many cases of type 2 diabetes are caused by excess weight, and are resolved when the weight is lost. Aside from the BMI calculator, body shape and illnesses, how you feel overall also plays a role in whether or not you should lose weight. If you find that you're often short of breath or have sore joints in your lower body, losing weight may help. Find a balanced weight loss program that includes both diet and exercise and you'll be able to lose all the weight you need to.

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