Most people who have a BMI of 55 realize that they’re too heavy and have an excessive amount of body fat on their frame. So what can they do about it?
Losing weight is easier said than done, but it really is the best health-boosting solution for an obese individual.
But because obese people are more likely than normal-weight individuals to have health conditions, it’s critical that you talk to your doctor and get a health checkup before you begin any kind of diet or exercise routine.
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Why is it bad to have a BMI of 55?
It’s bad to have a BMI of 55 because a body mass index of 55 is well into the severely obese category. Some researchers and health bodies would also class a 55 BMI as extreme obesity.
Because of the severity of a 55 BMI, a person with such a high body mass index is putting their health at serious risk.
Specifically, when your BMI is extremely high, you’re more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, if you aren’t already.
And these are just the high-profile illnesses. Those with a BMI of 55 can also suffer from back pain, insulin resistance, and poor mental health, which can all reduce their quality of life.
How can you safely lower your 55 BMI?
After your doctor has given you a physical checkup, they might recommend that you perform light exercise so that you can burn off some of the calories you consume.
Exercise is typically either cardiovascular (running, cycling, walking, dancing) or resistance-based (weight training, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises).
Initially, however, simply walking more may be enough to improve your fitness and increase your calorie expenditure.
As you get more comfortable in your new healthy habits, you may wish to start performing more vigorous physical activity, which can help to change your body composition by strengthening your muscles as well as your bones.
You may also be advised to cut your calories by a significant amount so that you can start to lower your body weight and become more mobile.
The specifics will depend on your current situation, but calorie deficits of 40% are not uncommon recommendations for individuals who are severely obese.
How common is a body mass index of 55?
A body mass index of 55 and over is becoming more common, perhaps due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
Of course, BMI 55 individuals are much heavier than average because their body mass index score is over 25 points higher than usual for both women and men.
Still, there are many people with extreme obesity who have a BMI that’s well over 55. Of course, this isn’t a good thing from a public health standpoint, but change is possible and, with the right help, likely.
You should take comfort in the fact that many people have been in your position with a BMI of 55 and have successfully lost weight and kept it off.
Conclusion and advice for BMI 55 individuals
It’s important that BMI 55 individuals are realistic about their current situation. If you know that a particular kind of exercise is too challenging, stick to more basic activities like walking or jogging on the spot.
Some weight loss is better than no weight loss, so be sure to set small goals along the way to achieving a healthy body weight.
Ultimately, once your body weight is under control, keeping the weight off will be much easier if you develop positive habits. So try to exercise a small amount each day rather than doing one mega workout and then taking four days off.
Likewise, don’t starve yourself in a bid to slim down as quickly as possible. While aggressive calorie deficits can work and are often recommended for obese people, the aim isn’t to lose weight without regard for nutrition.