How do you know whether you need to lose weight for medical reasons? Stepping on the scale only tells you your total weight — including bone, muscle and fluid — not how much of your weight is fat. The scale also doesn't tell you where you're carrying that fat. In determining health risks, both of these factors are more important than weight alone. Other pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, also play a role in determining the health risks associated with too much body fat.
A threefold approach can help determine whether you need to lose weight for medical reasons. These include body mass index, waist measurement and personal medical history.
*Body mass index (BMI). The BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat and health risks. If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you're considered in a healthy weight range for your height. If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you're considered overweight. And, if the figure is 30 or greater, you're considered obese.
* Waist measurement. If you carry most of your fat around your waist or upper body, you may be referred to as apple shaped. If you carry most of your fat around your hips and thighs or lower body, you may be referred to as pear shaped. When it comes to your health, it's better to have the shape of a pear than the shape of an apple. If you have an apple shape — a potbelly or spare tire — you carry more fat in and around your abdominal organs. Abdominal fat increases your risk of many of the serious conditions associated with obesity. Women's waist circumference measurements should be less than 35 inches. Men's should be less than 40 inches. These are rough cutoffs, but in general, the smaller the waist measurement the better.
* Medical history. You may benefit from weight loss if you have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Also, if you have a family history of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk of developing weight-related complications.
If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9 or your waist measurement exceeds the healthy guidelines, and you have a medical history of other health conditions, you'll probably benefit from losing weight. Discuss your weight with your doctor at your next checkup.
If your BMI is 30 or more, you're considered obese. Losing weight will improve your health and reduce your risk of weight-related illnesses. Talk to your doctor about starting a weight-loss plan.
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