How to Improve Your BMI Level

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and is a fairly reliable tool for calculating body fat based on your weight and height. BMI is an inexpensive screening tool to aid in the detection of obesity, but is not a diagnostic tool, as many other health factors must be accounted for. Considering improving a BMI score of over 25 is a good choice, as many people with a BMI over 25 are considered overweight.

Instructions

• 1

  Begin an exercise program. The Mayo Clinic explains that being active is an important part of a weight loss plan, as when you exercise, you burn calories. Include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your day. While trying to lose weight, you may need to increase your exercise amount.

• 2

  Resist the urge to diet. WebMD explains that dieting is not a healthy way to lose weight as you limit your food intake, resulting in feeling hungry, and a loss of energy. In addition, when you do eat, more calories are consumed to compensate for earlier dieting. Diets are rarely successful, and some are even dangerous to your health.

• 3

  Pay attention to what you eat. According to WebMD, paying attention to what you consume is the most effective way to lose weight through your diet. Keeping a food log and understanding when and what you are eating can help you make sensible choices in the future. Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups, and control your portions by limiting what you put on your plate.

• 4

  Know your triggers. Many people eat in response to stress, social situations, boredom or other emotions, explains WebMD. Becoming aware of why you eat when you are not hungry is an important step in improving your BMI.