BMI is between 25 and 29.9 (Overweight)
People falling in this BMI range are considered overweight and would benefit from finding healthy ways to lower their weight, such as diet and exercise. Individuals who fall in this range are at increased risk for a variety of ilnesses. If your BMI is 27-29.99 your risk of health problems becomes higher. In a recent study an increased rate of blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease was recorded at 27.3 for women and 27.8 for men. It may be a good idea to check your waist circumference and compare it with the recommended limits.
Note
Since body fat percentage calculations use total body weight and not estimates of lean muscle mass and fat, BMI can not determine between the overweight and the more muscular.
Use our body fat calculator and waist to hip ratio calculator in combination with our BMI calculator for a more accurate view of your body fat.
Overweight Treatment
Your body weight is controlled by the number of calories you eat and the number of calories you use each day. So, if you consume fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. You can do this by becoming more physically active or by eating less.
You didn't put on extra weight overnight so it is equally unrealistic to take it off quickly. Record a goal that you can reach in one month that is 4 to 8 pounds less than you weigh now. Set a goal you know you can achieve.
Here are some very simple changes that you can start today that will greatly improve your chances of weight loss success:
Eliminate Red Meat
If foods like burgers are basic to your current diet, cutting out red meat can go a long way in helping you make healthier meal choices. Build your meals around fish or poultry.
Cut out fried foods
Grill, bake, roast, broil or boil your food. This also means doing without French Fries and snack foods like Potato Strings, Chips,...
Start with a soup or a salad
By starting dinner with a soup or salad, you will curb your hunger, which will in turn help you keep portion sizes in check and prevent you from overeating.
Stop Cola consumption
For every 20 ounces of Coca-Cola you drink, you're consuming 250 calories. If you're trying to consume around 1500 calories a day in order to lose weight, you can blow your entire calorie budget on soda!
Drink water
Reach for the goal of eight glasses a day. Even if you don't drink eight, you're drinking more than usual.
Health Benefits of Losing Weight
Getting to a healthy weight can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can also:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Lower your blood sugar
- Raise your HDL (the good cholesterol)
- Lower your LDL (the bad cholesterol)
- Lower your triglycerides