Since your height is probably going to remain about the same, decreasing your body mass index (BMI) is equivalent to losing weight. There are many perspectives on how to go about this process, and the specific best approach for each person will be different. However, the basics are the same for everyone. To decrease your body mass index, exercise more and eat less. Eat healthier foods--those containing less fat and sugar--and drink less alcohol. Fat- and appetite-reducing surgeries will also result in a lower BMI, but these methods are generally reserved for those whose BMI is 40 or more.
A Answers (5)
Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answeredHelpful? 1 person found this helpful.
If your BMI is high, you can reduce it and jump into a healthier weight category by weighing less. A lower weight plugged into the formula will reduce the BMI that gets calculated. We lose weight by burning more calories than we eat. That is, we need to move more and eat less. This is often easier said than done, so don’t do it alone. Search Sharecare for resources and information on healthful weight loss.
Jeff Croswell , NASM Elite Trainer, Fitness, answeredDropping your BMI is easy, all you have to do is drop weight. Your BMI is based on your height and weight. So if you weight goes down so does your BMI. Just remember you have to burn more calories than you take in to lose weight. However, your BMI is not the best way to measure how healthy you are. Since BMI only factors on height and weight someone who has a higher body fat percentage will be catorgized with the same BMI as someone who has a lower bodyfat because their height and weight can be the same.
National Academy of Sports Medicine answered
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick and easy method for determining whether your weight is appropriate for your height. The most successful method for lowering your BMI is a combination of healthy eating, smaller meal portions, and increased physical activity. Strive for a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week (30 minutes 5 days per week) such as a combination or aerobic activity (walking, jogging, cycling) and strength training. Lowering a high BMI is imperative to improve your health. The lowest risk for disease lies within a BMI range of 22 to 24.9. Scientific evidence indicates that the risk for chronic disease (such as heart disease and diabetes) increases with a BMI of 25 or greater.
Since you cannot really change your height, the best way to reduce a high body mass index is to lose weight. In order to lose weight you need to create a daily caloric deficit. This can be achieved by consuming less calories, increasing your level of physical activity, or a combination of the two. In other words, eat less, choose healthier foods, and move more.
Aim for 30-60 minutes of physical activity each day. Choose activities you enjoy doing and that will raise your heart rate and increase your rate of breathing. Activities such as walking your dog, playing with your children, gardening, cleaning the house, taking the stairs instead of evelvators, or taking an exercise class at your local gym are all great ways to increase your daily physical activity level.Helpful? 1 person found this helpful.