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What are the best ways to lose weight?

Standard measurements such as the body mass index (BMI), waist measurement, and risk factors for diseases linked to obesity can help you and your doctor determine if your weight is a risk to your health. If your BMI is 25 or higher, you're considered to be at more risk for health problems. You should take steps to lose weight. A body mass index of 30 or greater, is considered a sign of moderate to severe obesity, and puts you at even more risk. It's extremely important that you lose weight to reduce your long-term risks.

Any weight-loss plan should include a combination of a reduced-calorie diet, more exercise, and changes in eating habits. Losing a half pound to one pound each week is considered to be the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Experts recommend that overweight and obese individuals start by losing about 5 to 10 percent of their baseline weight. Losing large amounts of weight quickly can be dangerous and often leads to short-term weight loss. In some situations, you can take a prescription weight loss medicine for added benefits to changes in diet, activity and eating habits. The safety and effectiveness of prescription weight loss medicines is not known beyond one year.

Talk to your doctor if you are interested in losing weight. Your doctor can help you design a weight loss program that is tailored to your individual needs. It’s especially important that you see your doctor about losing weight if you have medical conditions or take any medicines.

Sources:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 2000.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health
Web Site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/recommen.htm. Last accessed 11/2/00.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease- National Institutes of Health.
Web Site: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/choose.htm#responsible. Last accessed 11/2/00.

This answer prepared 11/2/00.