There are many benefits of weight loss. Here are just a few. Some improve your health and others help you feel better. As you get ready to lose weight, make a list of how losing a few pounds will benefit you. Put this list on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.
A large study, called the Diabetes Prevention Program, showed that if people at risk for type 2 diabetes lost a small amount of weight and became more active for three years they could prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. People also had other benefits of weight loss like lowered blood pressure.
If you already have diabetes, losing 10 to 15 pounds may help you lower your blood glucose, blood pressure, and improve your blood fats. Losing this weight may also help you cut down on some of the medicines you take. If you lose weight, talk to your doctor about whether you need to make changes in your medicines.
Today, health care providers use a measure called BMI, short for Body Mass Index. This gives a good measure of your total body fat. BMI compares your height and weight. It shows if you are underweight, at a healthy weight, or overweight. Check out what your BMI is by using the BMI calculator.
BMI |
Category |
Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
Between 18.5 - 24.9 |
Healthy Weight |
Between 25 - 29.9 |
Overweight |
| Over 30 | Obese |
Look at the BMI chart to find out how much weight you need to lose to move from obese to overweight or from overweight into a healthy range. Knowing this can help you set a good weight loss goal.