Analyzing Body Weight : Healthy weight is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 19 and less than 24.9 among all people aged 20 or over. To determine body mass index, divide weight in kilograms (2.2 lbs. = 1 kg) by height in meters squared (39.4 ins. = 1 m). A woman possessing a BMI equal to or greater than 25 and less than 29.9, is considered overweight with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type II Diabetes. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30, which approximates 30 pounds of excess weight. This category can be further divided into three depending on the body mass index, Mild Obesity with a BMI of 30-34.9, Moderate Obesity--35-39.9(BMI) and finally Extreme Obesity with a BMI of >40. Another common way of analyzing body weight is the use of Waist-to-Hip ratio, WHR is calculated as follows: WHR = Waist Circumference ÷ Hip Circumference, a desirable WHR is <0.80 for women. A waist-to-hip ratio of 1.0 or higher is considered "at risk" or in the danger zone for undesirable health consequences, such as heart disease and other ailments connected with being overweight. Measuring waist circumference is a common measure used to assess abdominal fat content. The presence of excess body fat in the abdomen, when out of proportion to total body fat, is considered an independent predictor of risk factors and ailments associated with obesity. Women are at risk who have a waist measurement greater than 35 inches (88 cm).

Principles of Healthy Weight Loss : Follow sensible and healthy guidelines for eating and physical activity for achieving and maintaining healthy weight. Excess weight is caused by an interaction of genetic (inherited) and environmental (social and cultural) factors, which include metabolic (physical and chemical) and behavioral (psychological and emotional) components. Because of the complexity of weight loss, gain, and maintenance, women need to understand that a quick and effortless weight loss is worthless. As sedentary lifestyle is a significant barrier to successfully maintaining weight loss and preventing further weight gain, it is important to add more activity in your daily routine. Losing weight requires burning more calories than the body takes in, by either reducing caloric intake or increasing caloric expenditure, or preferably, both. Remember, achieving and maintaining even a modest amount of weight loss can reduce the severity of illnesses associated with obesity. Medical, pharmacological and surgical interventions may be options for women with more serious cases of overweight and obesity. These interventions, used in conjunction with a plan for healthy eating and physical activity, should be utilized in conformance with applicable treatment guidelines.

Currently, most available weight-loss medications approved by the FDA are for short-term use, meaning a few weeks or months. Most available weight-loss medications are "appetite-suppressant" medications. These include. Didrex, Tenuate, Sanorex, Mazanor, Adipex-P and Meridia. These medications generally come in the form of tablets or extended-release capsules (pills that release medication over a long period of time). Appetite suppressants can be obtained by a doctor's prescription or purchased over the counter. In the mid 1990s doctors also prescribed the popular appetite suppressant Redux or the combination of Phentermine and fenfluramine, called "Phen-fen." However fenfluramine (Pondimin) and Redux were withdrawn from the market in 1997 because they caused damage to heart valves. Phentermine is still available.Taking Phentermine alone has not been associated with the adverse health effects of the fenfluramine-Phentermine combination. Another type of prescription weight loss drug is a fat absorption inhibitor.Xenical is the only example of this type of treatment approved for use in the U.S. Xenical works by blocking about 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed,and is the most recently approved weight loss drug Meridia and Xenical are the only weight-loss medications approved for longer-term use in significantly obese people, although the safety and effectiveness have not been established for use beyond 1 year. Currently, most available weight-loss medications approved by the FDA are for short-term use, meaning a few weeks or months. Most available weight-loss medications are "appetite-suppressant" medications. These include. Didrex, Tenuate, Sanorex, Mazanor, Adipex-P and Meridia. These medications generally come in the form of tablets or extended-release capsules (pills that release medication over a long period of time). Appetite suppressants can be obtained by a doctor's prescription or purchased over the counter. In the mid 1990s doctors also prescribed the popular appetite suppressant Redux or the combination of Phentermine and fenfluramine, called "Phen-fen." However fenfluramine (Pondimin) and Redux were withdrawn from the market in 1997 because they caused damage to heart valves. Phentermine is still available. Taking Phentermine alone has not been associated with the adverse health effects of the fenfluramine-Phentermine combination. Another type of prescription weight loss drug is a fat absorption inhibitor. Xenical is the only example of this type of treatment approved for use in the U.S. Xenical works by blocking about 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed, and is the most recently approved weight loss drug Meridia and Xenical are the only weight-loss medications approved for longer-term use in significantly obese people, although the safety and effectiveness have not been established for use beyond 1 year.

There are many popular fad dieting programs being used today, such as the Dr. Atkins low carb plan, the Cabbage Soup program, the Caveman (Paleolithic) dieting plan, the South Beach program, the Hollywood 48 hour miracle diet, the Zone diet (Enter the Zone by Barry Sears), and many others. Most of these diets do not work very well because they are based on unrealistic menus and portions which "sound" good before you begin, but which quickly become unbearable just days into the program. Fitness and nutrition programs are always easier to follow when they are based on realistic tolerance levels. The South Beach Diet is another plan which is very popular right now, it's an interesting dieting program which has both positive and negative aspects to it ("South Beach" refers to the area where the program first originated). Following the So. Beach menu can be tricky since it requires discipline and the measuring of foods at each meal, but it's more tolerable than the Cabbage plan or the Dr. Atkins low carb program. The Atkins dieting plan is a low carb menu (low carbohydrate menu) which is a very difficult menu to follow, it's a popular program but people tend to stop using it fairly quickly.