Do You Need To Lose Weight?
Contents
Choose To Lose
Do You Need To Lose Weight?
Try These Steps To Lose Weight
Celebrate in a Healthy Way With Your Family
Take Action!
My Heart Health Card
Play It Smart, Take Care of Your Heart
Resources
Do You Need To Lose Weight?
Take these steps to find out.
1. Find out if your weight is healthy.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) can be used to find out if you are overweight or obese. Height and weight are used to find your BMI on this chart.
In the graph below, mark the square where your height and weight cross. The color of the square will tell you if your weight is healthy, overweight, or obese.
Is your weight healthy?
My weight is:
2. Measure Your Waist.
Measure your waist by placing a measuring tape snugly around your waist. A high waist measurement increases your risk for heart disease.
My waist measurement is:
Your waist measurement is high if:
- Women—Your waist measurement is more than 35 inches (88 centimeters).
- Men—Your waist measurement is more than 40 inches (102 centimeters).
My waist measurement is:
If your waist measurement is high, take steps to lose weight.
Remember:
- If you are overweight or obese, losing about 10 pounds can help you lower your risk for heart disease.
- Lose weight slowly, about 1 to 2 pounds a week.
Lupe says: "We took steps to lose weight slowly.
We are now at a healthy weight. My cousin
followed a plan that offered an easy way to
lose weight quickly. She lost weight, but she
gained it all back."
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
NIH Publication No. 08-6354
June 2008
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