If you are trying to lose weight, there are plenty of ways you can do it wrong. You can eat low-calorie foods, use unhealthy fad dieting, or go on a strenuous exercise routine without paying attention to what your body needs. However, there is a simple and effective way to lose weight that you may not know about.
It’s common knowledge that the majority of people in America are either overweight or obese. The problem is that there is a common misconception about what it means to be ‘average’ when it comes to weight. Studies show that there are actually four distinct groups of people when it comes to weight. And the good news is that you don’t have to be defined by your weight. You can lose weight and be healthy.
Underweight
People who are underweight have a healthy diet and an appropriate exercise regime, but due to their small body size, they have an increased risk of health problems. Some studies have shown that being underweight increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. On the positive note, being underweight also makes you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and heart failure. For these reasons, it’s important to consider trying to lose weight if you are underweight.
To be in a healthy weight range, you need to weigh at least 22 lbs for every 1 ft you stand in. So, if you are 5’4″, you need to weigh at least 22 lbs x 1.7 = 31.5 lbs to be in a healthy weight range. Of course, it depends on what’s important to you. If getting in a bikini is important to you, then you need to lose about four inches off your waist. And if climbing mountains is important to you, then you need to lose about 12 lbs.
Healthy
Those who are considered ‘healthy’ have a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI of 18.5 is considered underweight, 24.9 is considered overweight, and 30 or greater is considered obese. A healthy BMI allows you to enjoy living your life without having to worry about your weight. Studies have shown that people with a healthy BMI are less likely to have heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It is also associated with an increased life expectancy. If you meet the criteria for being healthy and you want to lose weight, then you should follow a healthy diet and an appropriate exercise regime.
Consult with your doctor or nutritionist to get a proper assessment of your weight and create a plan to reach your goals. Your weight might be increasing because of a hormone imbalance, so getting this checked out could help you find the root of the problem. Hormone therapy might be able to help, as might weight loss surgery if you are morbidly obese. There are various options available to help you reach your desired weight, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are unsure of how to proceed.
Overweight
The second group is considered overweight, and this includes people with a BMI between 25 and 29.9. These people have a higher risk of health problems than those in the other groups, but there is still some hope for them. Studies have shown that people in this group are less likely to have heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. However, they are more likely to develop gallstones, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. On the positive note, being in this group has been shown to make you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and heart failure.
To be in this group, you need to weigh at least 31.5 lbs for every 1 ft you stand in. So, if you are 5′4″, you need to weigh at least 31.5 lbs x 1.7 = 50.125 lbs to be in the overweight group. You also need to make some lifestyle changes if you want to get in this group. You should do some research on how to improve your diet and you should be sure to get some daily exercise. Changing your habits like these can help you lose weight and feel better about yourself.
Obese
The last group is considered obese, and this group contains people with a BMI of 30 or greater. These people have the highest risk of health problems of all the groups. Studies have shown that people in this group are more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. It has also been shown that being obese increases your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, and certain types of stroke. On the positive note, being obese will make you less likely to develop osteoarthritis and gallstones.
It is essential that you lose weight if you are in this group. You need to weigh at least 50.125 lbs for every 1 ft you stand in. If you are 5′4″, you need to weigh at least 50.125 lbs x 1.7 = 71.825 lbs to be in this group. Studies have also shown that dieting does not work for people in this group, so it’s essential that you follow a healthy diet and an appropriate exercise regime. If you need to lose weight, then it’s better to try to lose 1 lb a week to avoid getting sick. You should also consider getting a medical examination to get a proper assessment of your weight and create a plan to reach your goals. There are various ways to lose weight, so find one that works best for you.
Remember, there are four distinct groups of people when it comes to weight and each group has a different set of considerations. A lot of the time, people in the ‘overweight’ group don’t realize they are actually in this group and they think that being ‘normal’ or ‘healthy’ means they don’t have to worry about their weight. But being overweight does not exempt you from worrying about your health. People in all four groups need to make an effort to ensure they are healthy – underweight, healthy, overweight, and obese. You should try to follow a nutrition plan that will help you reach your desired weight. If you want to get in shape, then there are hundreds of apps and websites that can help you lose weight and get fit. Just make sure you are doing it the right way.