| Obesity rates in the UK are soaring and almost a | | | | lose large amounts of weight in a short space of |
| quarter of adults are now classed as clinically | | | | time. |
| obese; in the near future this is likely to cause an | | | | Don't starve yourself or skip meals, as well as not |
| epidemic of obesity related conditions which will | | | | being healthy it probably won't help you lose |
| put a real strain on health services and have | | | | weight. Breakfast is the most commonly skipped |
| serious effects on the individuals concerned. | | | | meal in the UK, but skipping breakfast will only |
| If you are overweight or obese you are putting | | | | make you feel hungry by mid-morning and make |
| yourself at risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, | | | | you more likely to indulge in unhealthy snacks. |
| cancer, osteo-arthritis (even in non-weight bearing | | | | Drink plenty of water; your body needs water to |
| joints) and hypertension (high blood pressure). | | | | burn fat and keep cells hydrated. |
| Losing weight can help to prevent and control | | | | Start a suitable exercise plan. You should pick |
| these diseases. | | | | something that you enjoy doing and, especially if |
| You may have heard of a calculation called Body | | | | you are not used to regular exercise, start gently. |
| Mass Index or BMI. BMI uses your weight and | | | | There are numerous diets and diet plans available |
| height to determine whether you are under | | | | some of which work, some which don't and some |
| weight, the correct weight, overweight or obese. | | | | which can have a detrimental effect on your |
| There are many BMI calculators available on the | | | | health. When deciding on the right plan for you it is |
| Internet - simply Google for "BMI Calculator" and | | | | important to remember that there is no "magic |
| you will find one. | | | | bullet"; the only way of losing weight is to burn |
| If a BMI calculator shows that you are | | | | more calories than you consume either by |
| overweight or obese you will benefit from losing | | | | consuming less calories, exercising more or some |
| weight. Quick weight loss methods involving special | | | | combination of the two. |
| drinks, foods, supplements, pills or "de-toxing" | | | | If you think that you might be overweight or |
| often don't work at all and, if they do, the results | | | | obese use a BMI calculator to check (you will |
| are temporary. | | | | need to weigh yourself and measure your height) |
| When starting your weight loss plan be realistic: | | | | - if the BMI calculator says that you are |
| set yourself realistic goals, even if your BMI is | | | | overweight or obese there is no time like the |
| very high you can achieve real health benefits by | | | | present to start a healthier lifestyle. |
| losing 10% of your body weight. Don't expect to | | | | |