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WebMD has developed seven questions to help you decide:
1. What is your lifestyle? Most people exercise and eat healthy just to lose weight, but this kind of lifestyle is important for everyone all the time. If you're not at all active and you eat poorly, you may need to start making some changes for your overall health, not because of a weight-loss goal.
2. What is your family history? If high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, or another weight-related condition runs in your family then, yes, you must be conscious of your weight.
3. What is your weight history? People who have consistently gained weight over the years need to watch out since experts say your weight should not increase dramatically, even as you get older. Even moderate weight gain in adulthood can increase your risk of diabetes, so it's important to try to maintain a healthy weight.
4. How is your weight distributed? I'm sure you've heard that apple-shaped individuals (those with weight around their middle) are at greater risk for weight-related problems. So if you're carrying a tire around your belly and aren't too thick anywhere else, you're health would greatly benefit if you whittled away your middle a little. If your weight is primarily in your thighs and butt, it's not as crucial to drop the pounds.
5. What is your waist size? The National Institute of Health has determined that a waist circumference of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women signifies a health risk, particularly in people with a BMI of 25-34.9 (the overweight category). If you're not sure what your BMI is, check out www.advancedbariatricsurgery.com to find out.
6. What is your health profile? If you haven't seen a doctor for a while, make an appointment and have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked. If your cholesterol and blood pressure levels are high and your BMI falls into the overweight or obese category, it's important to lose weight.
7. How do you feel? If you are overweight and have joint problems, shortness of breath, or other health troubles that limit your day-to-day living, then melting away pounds would help improve the quality of your life.
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