It is not an easy to admit that you need to lose weight but that is the first step towards losing it. Next, you have to set about finding a safe and successful weight loss program that is right for you.

Responsibility is Key
There are plenty of programs that claim to hold the solution to weight loss. Meandering your way through the pros and cons of each one takes time, effort and patience. According to the experts, the key to getting yourself to a healthy weight and staying there is to eat a sensible, healthy and well balanced diet and to engage in physical activity on a consistent basis.

You need to customize your weight loss program in such a way that you will lose weight but you will also be able to maintain the weight loss afterwards. This means incorporating healthy habits into your present lifestyle.

Why You Weigh How You Weigh
Your weight varies throughout your lifetime. A number of factors have an impact on a person's weight. These factors include:

1. The quantity of food you consume on a regular basis and the type of foods you consume
2. Whether or not you subscribe to a life that includes physical fitness on a consistent basis or not
3. Your genetic makeup as well as your physiological makeup
4. your age and your state of health
5. Whether you use food as a way to help you cope with stressful situations or not

Weight and Health Profile
Being overweight can do more than affect your appearance and rob you of your energy. It can also present a very real threat to your health. Being overweight or obese has been linked to such medical conditions as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and Type 2 diabetes.

One way to determine if you need to lose weight is to figure out your body mass index (abbreviated to BMI). This is a way to determine how much fat is on your body. The BMI can be used for the majority of people between the ages of 19 and 70. Be aware that it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. It is also not effective for body builders, competitive athletes and people who suffer from chronic diseases.

A chart for how to use the BMI can be found at a variety of websites, one of which is the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management. The lower your BMI is, the better it is. The higher it is, the worse it is. For a man, if your waist size exceeds 40 inches than you are at a greater risk of health problems. For women if it exceeds 35 inches then you are putting yourself at risk.

First you need to figure out your BMI. Then you need to measure the size of your waist with a tape measure. Once you know these two numbers you can then consult the chart. The chart or table will make it possible for you to zero in on how much of a health risk you are dealing with in terms of your excess weight.

BMI is not the only method of determining the percentage of fat on your body but it is one of the more widely used methods. If you are interested in learning more, speak with your doctor.