If you’re overweight, losing 5 to 15 percent of your weight can help you be healthier. Say you weigh 200 pounds. If you lose 10 to 30 pounds, it will make a big difference in how you feel.

So make a plan to lose weight. This is especially important if:

• Your waist is more than 35 inches (for women) or more than 40 inches (for men). Talk with your doctor about the best size for your waist.
• You are overweight.
• You have a family history of certain diseases. They include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.

Don’t let those few pounds block your way to better health.