Weight management

Being overweight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Patients who are underweight are at greater risk of osteoporosis and fertility problems.

Guidelines

• Energy used = energy consumed
• Women: around 2000 calories a day and a waist to hip ratio of less than 0.85
• Men: around 2500 calories a day and a waist to hip ratio of less than 1
• Body Mass Index of 18.5 – 24.9

To calculate BMI:

Divide weight (kg) by height (m) squared. An online BMI calculator can be found here.

To calculate waist to hip ratio:

Divide the circumference of the narrowest point of the waist by the widest point of the hips and buttocks.

Further information

Hints and tips on how to lose weight, including a 12 week guide to weight loss:

• www.nhs.uk/livewell/loseweight

Free 12 week healthy lifestyle interventions funded by Oxfordshire county council with the aim to reduce Oxfordshire residents weight and improve their lifestyle:

• www.achieveoxfordshire.org.uk

Local groups can be found online or at the library:

• www.weightwatchers.co.uk

If you have a BMI of over 30, talk to your GP – they may be able to refer you to weight loss services such as Morelife.