BMI

There is a simple way to determine if your weight is within a healthy range. It's not exact, but for the average person, it's a great way to monitor. The calculation was created as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. It was created in the 19th century, but has gained wider use in the last 30+ years. Or you could use one of the many charts that are online, like the one here. The goal is to have a BMI between 18.5 and 25.

There are other simple tools to determine if your weight is in a healthy range, but this is one of the most accepted and easiest to use for most of us. If you're a body-builder, or just very muscular, this may show you having a high BMI, even though you're healthy. You can use the waist-to-hip ratio or body fat percentage, too, but those involve more measurements.

Is your BMI in the healthy range? Do you want to get it into the healthy range? Stick with us and we can help you move more and get it under 25.

Day 1--Base measurements

I currently weight 135.6 pounds, which makes my BMI 24.02. That puts my BMI within the "healthy weight" range, but on the higher end of it. A BMI of 25 is considered "overweight" I would like my BMI to be closer to 21, which makes my goal weight about 119 pounds.

Waist: 32 inches
Hips: 39 inches
My waist to hip ratio is .82, which puts me in the "elevated risk" category for heart disease and diabetes. It looks like I need to lose a little bit around my waist, or make my butt bigger to improve the ratio.

http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/home-body-fat-test-2774-143.html is a site that allows you to determine you body fat percentage without any specialized tests. I have 29% body fat. 39.4 Pounds of fat and 96.6 Pounds of lean (muscle, bone, body water). Again, it's in the healthy range, but on the higher end.

I will remeasure my waist & hips every few weeks. I hope to update my weight at least once a week.