Reduce Your Heart Attack Risk

Work Toward a Healthy Weight  

"Obesity puts you at risk for all other risk factors," Jennifer Mieres, M.D., says. "People who are obese are more likely to have elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes."

But a number on a scale isn't the sole factor to examine. Your gender, height, and place where you carry your weight determine what weight is healthy for you.

To get an idea of what your ideal body weight should be, use a credible online body mass index (BMI) calculator like the Mayo Clinic BMI calculator or the National Health Institute BMI calculator. Note that a calculator may be inaccurate because it does not take different body types into account. If you feel it may be giving you a false reading, try Mieres' simple formula: Your waist circumference should be less than or equal to half of your height.

If you find that your weight is too high, talk with your doctor to determine a healthy weight loss plan that will work for you.