From Halloween and TV football season to the "eat more, exercise less" season from Thanksgiving to New Year's, many extra pounds are lurking. It's best for your health to Start! now and not wait until January to get in shape.

How do I know if I'm overweight or obese?

Your body is composed of water, fat, protein, carbohydrates and various vitamins and minerals. If you have too much fat-especially around your waist-you're at higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The best ways to estimate body fat are waist circumference measurement and body mass index (BMI). A high-risk waistline is more than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men.

BMI assesses body weight relative to height. For example, 140 pounds for a 5-foot-7-inch woman is "normal." In studies by the National Center for Health Statistics, BMI values:

* Less than 18.5 are underweight.

* From 18.5 to 24.9 are normal.

* From 25.0 to 29.9 are considered overweight.

* Of 30.0 or greater are considered obese.

Why should I lose weight?

Losing even just a little weight can dramatically improve your health, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. It also may help prevent diabetes in people with prediabetes. You'll look better, feel better and have more energy.

How do I lose weight?

Talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs, including diet modification and physical activity-two key ingredients to weight loss.

You can Start! by eating healthy and walking Western Baptist Hospital's walking path. Since partnering with the American Heart Association to bring Start!, a workplace walking program to the area, more than 400 staff, as well as employees from more than 100 area businesses, have stepped forward for better health.

Whether on the hospital's path or around your neighborhood, start walking 30 minutes per day to improve your health.