Known as BMI, the Body Mass Index, helps evaluate our health status. On Thursday our classmate Xilene (pronounced “Sea-lay-na”) told us how her BMI had gone down since she started coming to class. How exciting!
Take the test, see where you are and keep coming to class to lower that number! 
BMI of 30 or above
Aim to lose 10%. That means 19 pounds if you weigh 190. You’ll drop a few sizes and lower your risk of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. If you can maintain that for at least a month, then set another 10% goal. Continue this step-by-step approach until you’re satisfied with your weight or your BMI drops below 30. Then assess your waistline by following the guidelines below.
BMI of 25 to 29.9
Measure your middle. Evidence suggests that where you carry excess weight is more important than how much you lug around, and belly weight is the most dangerous. A waist that’s more than 35 inches (40 for men) means too much belly fat–a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. If you’re in the danger zone, try to lose 5 to 10% of your body weight and also shrink your waistline. (Exercise can help.) If your waist is less than 35 inches, your biggest health benefit will come from exercising and maintaining your current weight.
BMI below 25
Check your waistline. Slim folks can have too much belly fat, too. If you do, your goal should be regular exercise, not weight loss.
Filed under: health tips
ok…I have a 63 year old sister who, after one year on a diabetic diet, safely lost enough weight to have her body index lower than mine. One year ago, she would make up 2 1/2 or 3 of me…God has really blessed her. I’m going for a lower BMI – can handle that over the day in and day out of the scales!