Am I at a Healthy Weight?
KNOW YOUR
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)
Understanding
Obesity
According to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), more than two thirds of adults in the U.S.
are either overweight (BMI 25 – 29.9) or obese
(BMI 30 or higher). Individuals with a BMI of 25 or
higher are at an increased risk of serious health
issues, including:
¾¾ Heart disease
¾¾ High blood pressure
¾¾ Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
¾¾ Osteoarthritis
¾¾ Some types of cancer
¾¾ Stroke
¾¾ Type 2 diabetes
Ask your doctor to calculate what your
BMI is at your next appointment!
If your doctor determines your BMI is in the
overweight or obese range, there are steps you
can take to bring your numbers down.
ÌÌ Start with what you decide is the easiest
thing to change, whether it’s cutting out soda
or adding extra steps into your day.
ÌÌ Work on one change at a time.
ÌÌ Use moderation with all foods to reduce your
chances of relapsing into bad habits.
ÌÌ Practice portion control every meal.
ÌÌ Be kind to yourself as with any change—
everyone has off days!
ÌÌ Remember to get back on track quickly.
ÌÌ Choose a physical activity that fits your
schedule.
Get the support you need!
ÌÌ Find a friend or family member that will
be supportive.
ÌÌ Have your friend or family member ask how
things are going.
ÌÌ Find a partner who you can share your
activity program with.
ÌÌ Ask your partner for fun activity ideas.
ÌÌ Find an app that will help you track your goals
such as MyFitnessPal.com.
There’s No Magic Diet
Just by turning on your TV, surfing the Web, or
going grocery shopping, you’ll come across many
weight loss “scams.”
Don’t be fooled! There is no magic pill or device
you wear that will work to help you drop the
weight and keep it off! Restrictive diets don’t
work because they cannot be maintained in the
long term. You can still eat the foods you enjoy
by using moderation and portion control.
Your doctor can help you develop a plan you can
maintain for your life.
Before beginning
any exercise
program, discuss it
with your doctor.
This information is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Please speak with your doctor before making changes to your
current lifestyle.
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age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or health status in the administration of
the plan, including enrollment and benefit determinations.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee
of the BlueCross BlueShield Association
QPI-16 AH (12/15)
BMI Assessment Brochure