How To Use BMI To Lose Weight

How To Use BMI To Lose Weight
How To Use BMI To Lose Weight

Many people in the United States struggle with their weight. Obesity is a well-known problem in the United States: one out of every three people is fat, and the percentage is rising. As a result, BMI is a popular technique for determining where you are in life.

How To Use BMI To Lose Weight, however, does not take into account body fat. Therefore, it isn’t intended to be a diagnostic or a guarantee that you have a weight problem.

Muscular persons may have a high BMI without being obese, illustrating how it can be off. BMI can also underestimate fat in those who are elderly or have decreased muscular mass.

 

How To Use BMI To Lose Weight

Consult your doctor if you believe you are obese or have issues with a healthy weight.

  • However, you may still be unsure what constitutes a healthy weight and how to achieve (and maintain) it.
  • Your BMI and Healthy Weight Range
  • There is no such thing as the “ideal weight” for everyone. Instead, BMI, or body mass index, is a metric that determines how healthy your weight is based on your height.
  • It can help you figure out if you’re at risk for weight-related health issues. If you’re over 20 and not pregnant, find out your number and what it means.

 

BMI Weight Glossary

BMI: number doctors use to help judge your risk of illness. It doesn’t tell you how much body fat you have.

Waist-to-Height Ratio: Helps describe your body shape and could warn of health problems.

Metabolism: The process in your body that turns food and stored body fat into energy.

Calories: A way to measure the energy saved in food and used by cells.

Target Heart Rate: How fast your heart should beat when you’re getting a good workout.

 

What is body mass index (BMI)?

Weight is one of the most popular subjects that people discuss with their doctors. Some patients believe they are underweight, while others think they’re overweight. A person’s weight is influenced by genetic, socioeconomic, and physiological variables.

A person’s weight can be measured in a variety of ways. The BMI is the most often used screening tool (BMI). A person’s BMI is a number derived from their weight and height. BMI is usually linked to body fat in most persons. However, in some circumstances, it is incorrect.

The chart can help you determine your BMI. The figure at which your height matches your weight is your BMI. BMI is classified as the following:

  • BMI under 18.5 is underweight.
  • BMI 18.5 to 24.9 is typically a healthy weight.
  • BMI 25.0 to 29.9 may indicate overweight status.
  • BMI 30.0 to 39.9 may indicate obesity.

*The BMI as a screening tool has limitations depending on how much muscle a person has. For example, power is denser than fat, so that BMI may overestimate body fat.

BMI-CDC
BMI-CDC

Does being overweight lead to any medical risks?

The most compelling reason to achieve and maintain your target weight is to decrease or eliminate medical problems that are more likely to arise due to weight gain.

High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other medical issues are among these conditions. All of these factors contribute to a rise in total mortality (rate of death).

A BMI greater than 30 puts a person at a higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. A low BMI can contribute to malnutrition, body image disorders, and poor bone density, among other things.

 

Are our treatment plans available to help me lose weight?

Yes, there are weight-loss treatment regimens available. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Your doctor and dietician can assist you in making improvements.

 

What steps should I take to help me lose weight?

  • Decide you want to lose weight permanently.
  • Seek professional help from your doctor and a registered dietitian.
  • Educate yourself.
  • Have a realistic goal in mind.
  • Follow up with your care team for support.
  • Understand that obesity is a long-term condition and it will require life-long attention.

 

What is the healthy range of body fat?

Men and women have distinct healthy body fat ranges. Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can all be caused by excess body fat. On the other hand, malnutrition may be linked to low body fat. The proper quantity of body fat aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals. It also protects the organs and helps to maintain body temperature. It also serves as an energy source for the organism.

Age (years)Healthy Range of
Body Fat for Females
Healthy Range of
Body Fat for Males
20-4021-33% 8-19%
41-6023-35% 11-22%