The first federal guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults were released in 1998 by the National Health, Lung, and Blood Institute. In these guidelines, that have had a recent resurgence by the medical profession and many health agencies, the definition of overweight is based on research that relates body mass index (BMI) to risk of death and illness. BMI is computed based on a ratio of height to weight. This computation, which we're all encouraged to make, assumes these measurements are a good predictor/indicator of body composition (the amount of fat on your body) and tell us a BMI of more than 25 is associated with increased risk of diseases of overfatness.

Here's how to calculate your BMI: Multiply your weight by 700 Divide the result by your height in inches then divide it by your height in inches again!

Personally, I believe BMI is useless. It is a poor predictor of fitness level or blood pressure. More importantly, though it purports to predict overfatness, it fails to distinguish between lean and fat tissue. That means a person with a low BMI might still have too much fat for their weight and a person with a high BMI, especially if they are fit, could be well within healthy body fat goal ranges.

Billions continue to be spent on remedies for . Much of it is forked over by people who respond to the latest hype for quick weight loss. Last week I had many questions about a patch called Slenderstrip. Just put it on and eat all you want. Of course, the ad didn't reveal that the patch comes with a list of foods you shouldn't eat and an exercise program.

I've got a great idea. Calculate your BMI but take the result with a grain of pepper. After all, you know if you're fit or fat no matter what the results may be. Then, agreeing that numbers give us a baseline to set a course for change and, later, evaluate our effort, let's stop focusing on them. Instead of putting so much effort into diets and what does or doesn't make them successful, let's change the paradigm and stay ahead of the folks whose emphasis is still on selling us diets, patches and overpriced equipment that will become clothes hangers. This summer, attempt to change your thinking. Focus on preventing weight gain. Learn more about the behaviors that are the backbone of the lifestyle of the people who successfully maintain weight loss or, despite a healthy appetite, never gain weight. I suspect you'll learn about physical activity, smaller portions of your favorite foods, support and (from the researchers) a little bit about brain biochemistry. It's not as sexy as a quick fix, but I bet, in time, it will last a lifetime.