Weight Loss Goals. What Should You Aim For?

Realistic Weight Loss Goals

If you’ve come to the decision that you want to lose some weight, the next step is determining how much weight you should lose. Because so many people begin diets and lose hope quickly, you’ll want to make sure your diet and goals are realistic. Every person is different, and while weighing 100 pounds might be ideal for your friend, it is probably not ideal for you. You don’t want to lose too much weight, you should simply want to be at your ideal weight and aim for realistic weight loss goals.

What Is Your Healthy Weight?

In order to determine your ideal weight, using the Body Mass Index is a good way to start. This looks at a person’s weight in relation to their height. No matter your height, if you’re under 18.5, then you’re underweight. So no one should be aiming for a BMI under 18.5. A healthy weight is known between 18.5-24.9, so any of these is safe for a goal. The taller you are, the higher your BMI can be. But if your BMI is between 25-29.9, you’re considered overweight. If it is 30 or more, then you’re obese. Charts determining your ideal BMI in regards to your weight are available online and in health stores or gyms.

Similarly, you’ll want to make sure you are aiming for a BMI that is realistic to your age. You may have had 18.5 BMI when you were 18, but if you’re 40 and looking to have that again, you might be out of luck. Our metabolisms change as we get older, so you’ll want to always take that into account when realizing weight loss goals. Don’t aim for an 18.5 because that’s what you were when you were a teen. Aim for a BMI that is realistic to your age, and will result in you feeling fit, healthy and slim, rather than stick thin.