Perfect BMI - Body Mass Index

High BMI

If you have high BMI (over 25), you are most likely overweight. If it is over 30, you may be considered obese.

Knowing your BMI is important; however, knowing what to do with the information is essential. If your BMI is too high, there is the advance risk of heart disease and/or having a heart attack. Obesity is considered a major risk factor for heart disease, because it greatly raises the blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, as well as raising the blood pressure. In addition, it lowers the “good” cholesterol levels that are responsible for lowering the risk for heart disease and stroke. While these are all possible effects from a high BMI, even without these added diseases, excess weight and lack of exercise on their own can greatly increase the risk of heart disease.

Those who are overweight should focus not only on dieting, but also on learning about healthy weight loss programs. Diets that do not focus on maintaining your body’s needs may not help in the end, and prolong or complicate any existing medical conditions. Healthy weight loss diets will include exercise, food from each food group and modified portions.

The best thing to do if you have high BMI is start a diet and exercise program. First, talk to your doctor about what type of diet and exercise you should use. Your doctor will tell you which foods you should eat and what you should stay away from, and will tell you what type of exercise is safe for you. You may want to join a gym. Consider hiring a personal trainer to make sure you exercise safely and to keep you on track. Losing even five to ten percent of your weight can lower the chances for heard disease and stroke. In addition, losing excess weight can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol level. In essence, changing to a healthier lifestyle can help is losing weight and prevent or even delay the onset of diabetes. So, while having a high BMI is a health concern, it can be lowered with proper diet and exercise.