Every project, from the tallest of skyscrapers... to the smallest sand castle, starts with defining goals. Just what is it you want to accomplish? Applying this to our topic today, start with asking yourself: How much weight do I want to lose? How fast do I want to achieve this goal?
Of course you cannot answer these questions without knowing first where you are. So take a few moments to internalize this concept that I will be presenting to you: The Body Mass Index.
Using the body mass index, you will be able to know if you're under or overweight, and how much you are far off from your ideal weight. The body mass index is computed by:
Weight in Kg divided by (your height in meters) squared
Example, if I am 1.5m tall and weighs 50kgs then my equation would look like:
50kg / [(1.5m x 1.5m)] = 22.22
The American Diabetes Association defines the state of being overweight if your BMI is >25, and defines obesity as having a BMI of >30. Having a BMI of 40 or more is classified as extreme or morbid obesity. Where in the hierarchy of weight supremacy are you in now? Once you've confirmed your BMI, don't be disheartened. Remember that acceptance of your present status is the important first step in setting your goals, and eventually achieving it.
Then we come to the second question. How fast should you lose weight? The rate of weight loss will determine how you feel. Lose weight too fast and you'll feel weak , burned out. Sooner or later, you'll quit your weight loss program. This is not healthy at all. For most people, losing weight slowly is the best option. Don't be mislead by promises of drastic weight loss, because more often than not, you'll end up feeling "abnormal", and sacrifice your health as a whole in the process. The rate of weight loss that is "healthy" is relative from one person to another. 1-2 pounds a week is tolerable for most people, but for some, this can be already tiring. How you can achieve the healthy rate of weight loss is discussed further in my separate website.
I will tackle more topics and concepts regarding losing weight safely in my future articles. Until next time!!!
