You can figure out your own body mass index (BMI) if you know your height and your weight. The formulas for calculating BMI are:

• BMI = (weight in pounds/height in inches squared) x 703
   — or — 
• BMI = weight in kilograms/height in meters squared

If your BMI is above 25 but below 30, you are considered “overweight.” If your BMI is between 30 and 39 you are considered “obese,” while a BMI of 40 or above is considered extremely or “morbidly obese.”

Your doctor can help you determine your BMI. In addition to your BMI, your doctor may also want to measure your waist circumference and your waist to hip ratio, both of which are good predictors of health risk. There are also methods for measuring body fat percentage which — for many active people — can be a better indicator of their body mass and body composition.

If you are worried about your weight, you should see your doctor to discuss it. If you are reluctant to bring it up, your doctor may mention it at your regularly scheduled checkup. It is important to be honest with your doctor when he or she asks you questions about your eating habits, your activity level, or other factors related to your weight. Don’t hide the truth because you feel guilty or because you are worried that the doctor will judge you. Being honest and up front when you talk to your doctor about your personal history is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Your doctor can tell you how much weight you need to lose and help provide you with methods for effective weight loss. This may include referring you to a nutritionist to help you determine how to eat right so you can attain a healthier weight. He or she can also assess your other risk factors for serious health problems and assess your current health to determine if you have other health issues that may need to be addressed.