Your BMI is 30+. This is what it means when doctors say you are obese. Your goal? Break into the 18.5 to 24.9 range. That's the "normal weight range". But those are just numbers. How can you make those numbers real to you, quantify them, let them hit home?

Those 6 and some points are the difference between a healthy heart and a heart disease. They are 30 to 40 years of life. They are running in the yard with your kids, enjoying a sunset walk on the beach with your spouse, and that moment when you step out of the house on a brisk morning, gulp in cool fresh air, and feel thoroughly healthy. They can mean happiness and confidence.

For the average woman, going from obese to normal is a difference of at least 32 pounds (14.5 kilograms). For the average man, it is a minimum of 36 pounds (16.3 kilograms) from obese to normal. That means that if you had a dollar for every lb you lost, you could buy a Whopper for every resident of not just Lowry, South Dakota, but Wetonka too! A grande cafe latte for every citizen in Butler!

That's a good deal of weight, but you can do it. With some prescription assistance, all it takes is some diet and exercise to be on your way to a normal weight, good health, and a better standard of living.

To shake obesity, you technically have to drop your BMI, not pounds, so it will be helpful to look more closely at what BMI is.

What is BMI?

BMI, also called the Quetelet index, stands for Body Mass Index. It is a statistic based on a person's weight and height used to determine risk factors for any number of health problems. It is also used by health insurance companies to determine how much to charge you, so saving your life can also save you money. However, it is important to understand that BMI is not an accurate estimation of body fat in many cases. It is so widespread because it is easy to calculate and work with. Most inaccurate numbers are in cases in which the individual in question has a large amount of muscle mass. If you suspect this is not you, BMI is most likely a useful tool of analysis.

The calculation is: BMI equals mass divided by height squared. This is represented mathematically as BMI= mass/height2. You can calculate this at home by plugging in values for this formula: BMI= your mass in lbs times 703 divided by your height in inches squared. BMI= lbs*703/in2. There are plenty of good calculators on the internet.

If you are taking Meridia to lose weight, work with a doctor, dietician, and/or physical trainer to set targets and milestones at which you can adjust your diet and exercise regimen. Once your BMI reaches 29.9, your doctor may choose to take you off of Meridia because you are no longer technically obese, but overweight. Keep in mind, overweight is not your goal. Normal is your goal, and you need more than just Meridia to get there, though it is a great help.