Weight Reduction

Weight Reduction

It is considered that:

• A BMI of 19-25 is healthy,
• If your BMI is more than 25 you are overweight.
• Over 30 is classed as obese
• Over 35 is very obese

Obesity is an important issue and responsible for more than 9,000 premature deaths per year in England. The prevalence of obesity in the UK, along with other western countries, is rising, including in children. It is thought that about half of the UK population is overweight or above.

Obesity causes, as well as exacerbates, the complications in a number of chronic and serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

Exercise and a good balanced diet are key factors in maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle. Generally speaking, weight is put on because more calories are consumed than are burned off. Weight gain is usually in the form of fatty tissue.

There are a range of places on the internet where you can get more information on a healthy lifestyle and weight loss.

• Free NHS Weight Loss Guide
• Weightwise
• Teen Weightwise
• Exercise Advice
• Couch to 5K

If your BMI is more than 30 we may be able to help you lose weight – the Practice Nurses will be able to provide you with some advice regarding this and if necessary may suggest you make appointment to see a GP, or refer you to a Dietician.

Local Councils / Health Authorities often offer discounted gym access and/or weight loss group access. Please ask at the surgery for more details. If you meet certain criteria, we may be able to offer you free Weight Watchers sessions to aid you lose weight. There are also organised health walks for the totally unfit and we can give you more information if you book in with a Practice Nurse/Health Care Assistant.

There are also commercial slimming groups such as Weight Watchers and Slimming World. Some people find them helpful to help lose the excess weight.

• Slimming World
• Weight Watchers