Maintaining your weight may help prevent a variety of serious health concerns. One way to determine whether you are at risk is to learn your body mass index (BMI), which is calculated using your height and weight. A BMI of 25 or above is classified as overweight, while 30 or above indicates obesity. Understanding your number is key to establishing the most effective diet plan and determining the best way to lose weight and stay healthy. Here are some of the most common risk factors associated with excess weight.

Common Risk Factors of Excess Weight

1. Type 2 Diabetes

People suffering from type 2 diabetes have elevated blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to other serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Although heredity plays a major role in acquiring type 2 diabetes, managing weight may help minimize the risk. Statistics show that 87.5% of patients with the disease have a BMI of 25 or above. Creating a diabetic diet plan and combining it with regular physical activity may assist in weight management.

2. Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to a number of ailments that may affect the heart, including angina, heart failure, and heart attack. Conditions that might exacerbate the likelihood of developing these problems include elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Managing your weight is an excellent way to protect your heart. Doing so may reduce blood pressure, make it easier to control blood sugar levels, and lower the “bad” cholesterol that clogs the arteries. It’s important to implement an appropriate balance of healthy fat and fiber in your diet plan.

3. Hypertension

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, refers to the force that your blood exerts as it presses against the blood vessel walls. It’s responsible for causing many other issues, like stroke, heart disease, and aneurysm, so maintaining a healthy pressure is vital. While medication is essential for many people, so is minimizing salt intake. The World Health Organization recommends reducing the intake to under five grams a day. Replace fatty foods with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to aid in weight loss efforts.

If you’re ready to improve your health and diet plan, turn to the friendly and welcoming staff at Nebraska Weight Management Institute in Lincoln and Omaha. These professionals are committed to helping you lose weight—and keep it off! They realize that no two situations are alike, which is why every patient receives a personalized treatment regimen and weight loss diet that is designed to provide long-term results. Visit the website for information, or call (402) 483-4770 in Lincoln, or (402) 399-9386 in Omaha, to schedule a consultation.