Why is maintaining ideal weight so important?
Time and again, studies have shown a strong link between obesity and a number of life-threatening disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer. One study, conducted by Johns Hopkins University Medical School indicated that obese men in their twenties could lose as much as 13 years of life because of their high risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. Does this mean that anyone who is overweight should worry? No excessive weight is desirable, and anyone with a body mass index (BMI) slightly higher than 25 (now considered the upper level of normal by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) should try to reduce their weight. However, the people considered at most risk of early death from obesity-related diseases are those with a BMI of 30 or higher. Here is how to calculate your BMI: First, multiply your height in inches by your height in inches. Divide the product into weight in pounds. Next, m
