Losing weight can sometimes be complicated. Sunanda is an excellent cook and can whip up the most delectable gulab jamuns with the greatest of ease. But she never eats her own creations. She has diabetes. Losing weight can help her manage her diabetes but it's not easy.

Tara is 18 years old. She has irregular periods. Losing weight is part of the treatment that her gynaecologist has recommended. She has to combine dieting with exercise to achieve her goal.

Working around complicating factors

Indian women tend to develop more complications and are at risk for more illnesses related to being overweight. Diabetes and high blood pressure are on top of the list of diseases that can be modified by reducing weight.  Indian women are also genetically prone to having high cholesterol levels. They can overcome these odds by maintaining a healthy weight.

So what is a healthy weight?

 Don’t go by the lissome bodies that populate current movies and TV shows. Much as we would like to look like them, it is more reasonable to aim for a weight we are comfortable with.  As long as you know you look good and feel great, that is the ideal weight for you.  

What is a healthy weight is a complicated question. We take an overview of several issues- a person's bone structure, if she is having physical or medical problems due to her weight, and whether she feels good about herself.

Even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) will help to lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity.

Are you at high risk for diabetes?

Being overweight can be dangerous for you if you are at high risk for developing diabetes. You are at high risk for developing diabetes if: 

•  there is a family history of diabetes in a parent, sibling, or child
•  you are overweight, especially if more than 20 percent overweight
•  you are "apple shaped" (waist bigger than hips) rather than "pear shaped" (hips bigger than waist)
•  you have had diabetes during pregnancy (known as gestational diabetes) or delivered a baby weighing more than 4 kilos
•  you have high blood pressure
•  you are not exercising