How Do I Know If I Need To Lose Weight?

It’s one thing wanting to slim down, but another knowing that you actually need to lose weight. If you don’t know for sure whether or not you need to lose weight, it’s worth asking yourself the following 3 questions.

1. Is Your BMI Over 24.9?

Body mass index (BMI) is the measurement often used by health professionals to work out whether or not someone needs to lose weight. By calculating your own BMI, you’ll know whether you fall within the healthy range or not. To do this, simply divide your weight (kg) by your height (m), then divide this answer by your height again.

For example, if you’re 70kg in weight and stand at 1.75 metres tall, divide 70 by 1.75. You’ll get an answer of 40. Next, divide this number by 1.75 to get an answer of just under 22.9. This is your BMI.

The healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9. If you get a figure above this, you may need to shed some weight.

2. What Does Your Waistline Tell You?

Your BMI can tell you a lot, but it’s not the full story. As well as your overall levels of fat, it’s important to think about where any excess weight is stored. After all, carrying too much fat around your middle can increase your risk of developing a number of serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, various cancers and heart disease.

To measure your waist, find the place between the top of your hips and the bottom of your ribs. Then breathe out naturally and wrap a tape measure midway between these two points.

Women are at a greater risk of health problems if their waist sizes are over 80cm. The figure for men is 94cm. Meanwhile, the dangers increase further still if women’s and men’s waistlines exceed 88cm and 102cm respectively.

3. Is Your Body Showing Other Signs?

As well as these calculations, there are other signs that may suggest you ought to slim down. For example, if the joints in your knees, back or hips hurt, this could show that they’re under too much pressure. Also, if you find exercise a struggle and you lack energy, you might benefit from getting in shape.

In addition, snoring could be a wakeup call. Being overweight by just a few kilos can result in snoring. This is because fatty tissue around the neck squeezes the airways and stops air from flowing in and out as freely as it should.

If you think you need to lose weight, now’s the time to take action. Bear in mind that a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way to slim down, but if you struggle to see results, you may benefit from speaking to a doctor. You can get in touch with health experts at Lloyds Pharmacy for tips, questions or even weight loss pills. Stay fit!