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Overweight and obesity have been associated with increased risk of
developing such conditions as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and
coronary artery disease.
How Do I Know IF I Need To Diet?
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.
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 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.
Several other factors, including your medical history, can increase
your health risk.
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.
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