Obesity is a problem that’s plaguing an alarming number of Singaporeans. Fortunately, we can still change our future for the better by adopting the right diet and habits. Many also join weight loss programs in Singapore when they struggle by themselves.
But how do we determine how much weight we should lose to be healthy again? Let’s check out this guide to help you assess yourself before you start setting goals.
Factors That Impact How Much Weight You Should Lose
What’s Your BMI?
Body Mass Index is a popular metric that gauges the ideal weight range based on your current height and weight. It’s not a perfect method of checking the best weight for you since it doesn’t include other factors like muscle mass, but it’s a good place to start.
Generally speaking, having a BMI of 25 or higher implies that you’re overweight, while numbers above 30 are considered obese.
You can try out BMI calculators online to see whether you’re still in a healthy range or not.
How Fit Are You?
Just because you weigh more doesn’t always mean you’re clinically obese. What if you regularly exercise? Sometimes your heaviness is due to your muscles, which are denser than fat. It’s important to evaluate your body composition first instead of looking solely at the numbers on the scale.
Existing Health Conditions
Do you have other health problems due to your weight? Obesity increases your risk of issues such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and arthritis. The amount of weight you need to lose to reduce the strain on your body will depend on how much these complications have affected your life.
Should You Consult a Healthcare Provider?
Absolutely — a doctor can conduct more accurate tests to examine your overall condition beyond your BMI. They can check other factors like your muscle mass percentage, cholesterol levels, or hormonal imbalances.
These will help them guide you on a safer weight loss plan, which can be crucial when you have existing medical problems.
You Should Have Realistic Weight Goals
When you figure out how much you need to lose, it’s time to decide your approach to it. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind:
Gradual Is Better Than Rapid
It’s appealing to slim down as soon as you can, but losing weight too fast can be detrimental to your long-term well-being. A gradual loss of around 0.5 to 1kg weekly is safer and easier to maintain.
Decide on an Achievable Deadline
Now that we know what a healthy loss rate is, how soon do you want to reach your desired weight? You’ll want to make sure it’s attainable given your situation. For instance, losing 5 kg in two months is more feasible if you’re physically active. Trying to achieve 20 kg in three months in the same state would likely be too difficult unless you take drastic and dangerous measures.
Don’t Focus on Numbers
Always remember that there’s more to weight loss than having smaller values on the weighing scale. Give yourself a different reason for your journey. Are you trying to slim down to fit in better clothes? Do you want to reduce your risk of diabetes?
How Can Weight Loss Programs Assist You?
Many people in Singapore join weight loss programs when they struggle to get in shape by themselves. Don’t hesitate to sign up for one if you have trouble sticking to your plans. It will give you access to experts who can:
- Develop more detailed meal plans based on your nutritional needs and food restrictions. This saves you from the guesswork involved in having the right diet.
- Help you address behaviours that influence your weight, like emotional eating.
- Monitor your progress to see if you’re reaching your goal in time.
- Provide counselling to boost your motivation when you feel like slacking off.
Weight Loss Starts With Being Knowledgeable
Losing weight affects us more than being able to wear what we want or weighing less on the scale. It’s also vital to understand the various factors that go into determining what’s a healthy weight for us, such as our BMI and medical issues.
If you need more help making the right decisions to reach your weight goals, why not enroll in a weight loss program in Singapore? With an expert’s support, you can achieve your dream figure with ease.
