Losing weight is one of the most common resolutions made every time a new year rolls around. Now that we are in mid-February, it is time to check in to see how you are doing so far on your road to weight loss.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville wants to share some tips on how you can find success on the path to your weight-loss goals.

Why Is It Important to Maintain a Healthy Weight?

The numbers are staggering—99 million Americans are considered overweight, while 70 million are concerned obese. Carrying excess weight can be hazardous to your health, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

Beyond increasing your risk of certain medical conditions, carrying excess weight can also cause a variety of symptoms, including joint pain and mental health issues. Fortunately, you can take steps to lose weight and improve your health overall.

Simple Ways to Lose Weight

• Start your day with a high-protein breakfast.
• Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice.
• Drink water a half hour before meals.
• Fill your plate with mostly fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days.
• Choose a variety of workouts, including both cardio and strength training.
• Pump up the intensity of your workout for best results.

What Can Your Waistline Tell You About Your Health?

You may have heard of body mass index as a way of determining whether you’re at a healthy weight. But BMI isn’t necessarily a functional metric for many people, since it doesn’t take into account muscle mass.

In recent years, experts have begun to use a different metric—waist circumference. This measurement can help measure fat effectively. Women should aim for a waist circumference less than 35 inches, while men should aim for less than 40 inches.

Exercises That Burn Most Belly Fat

• Running
• Walking
• Elliptical trainer
• Bicycling
• Bicycle exercise
• Captain’s chair leg raise
• Exercise ball crunch
• Vertical leg crunch
• Reverse crunch

Wondering where your health stands? Visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville for a checkup. No appointment is necessary!