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Determining Your Weight / Health Profile
Overweight and obesity side effects have been associated with
increased risk of developing such conditions as high blood pressure,
Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.
For most people,
determining the circumference of your waist and your body mass index
(BMI) are reliable ways to estimate your body fat and the health
risks associated with being overweight, over fat or obese side
effects. BMI is reliable for most people between 19 and 70 years of
age except women who are pregnant or breast feeding, competitive
athletes, body builders, and chronically ill patients. Generally,
the higher your BMI, the higher your health risk, and the risk
increases side effects even further if your waist size is greater
than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women. There are other ways,
besides BMI, to determine your body fat composition, and your doctor
can tell you about them, but the method recommended here will help
you decide if you are at risk. Use the chart to determine your BMI.
Then, measure your waist size. Now, with your BMI and waist size
determined, use the table below to determine your health risk
relative to normal weight.
|
Risk of Associated Disease side effects According to
BMI and Waist Size |
|
BMI |
|
Waist less than or equal to
40 in. (men) or
35 in. (women) |
Waist greater than
40 in. (men) or
35 in. (women) |
|
18.5 or less |
Underweight |
|
N/A |
|
18.5 - 24.9 |
Normal |
|
N/A |
|
25.0 - 29.9 |
Overweight |
Increased |
High |
|
30.0 - 34.9 |
Obese |
High |
Very High |
|
35.0 - 39.9 |
Obese |
Very High |
Very High |
|
40 or greater |
Extremely Obese |
Extremely High |
Extremely High |
Several other factors, including your
medical history, can increase your health risk side effects.
See your doctor for advice about your
overall health risk and the weight loss options that are best for
you. Together, decide whether you should go on a moderate diet (1200
calories daily for women, 1400 calories daily for men), or whether
other options might be appropriate.
Once you and your doctor have
determined the type of diet that makes the most sense for you, you
may want to choose a product or a plan to help you reach your goal.
Consider: b If your doctor prescribes a medication, ask about
complications or side effects, and tell the doctor what other
medications, including over-the-counter drug products, and dietary
supplements you take and other conditions you're being treated for.
After you start taking the medication, tell the doctor about changes
you experience, if any side effects.
- If your treatment includes
periodic monitoring, counseling or other activities that require
your attendance, make sure the location is easy to get to and the
appointment times are convenient.
- Some methods for losing weight
have more risks and complications than others. Ask for details
about the side effects, complications or risks of any product or
service that promotes weight loss and how to deal with problems
should they occur.
- Where appropriate to the program,
ask about the credentials and training of the program staff.
- Ask for an itemized price list for
all the costs of the plan you're considering, including membership
fees, fees for weekly visits, the costs of any diagnostic tests,
costs for meal replacements, foods, nutritional supplements, or
other products that are part of the weight loss program or plan.
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