Losing weight

The number of people who are overweight has increased in the UK. 38% of people are overweight and a further 20% are obese. If this trend continues by 2010 a quarter of the population in the UK will be obese. Additionally children of all ages are fatter than ever before. (www.bda.uk.com)

Being overweight (or underweight) can affect your health. It increases your chance of a heart attack, developing diabetes and increasing your blood pressure. Losing weight can help alleviate the conditions shown.

To be healthier and lose weight you need to use up more energy (calories) than your body takes in from food and drink. This can be done in three ways

• by eating and drinking fewer calories
• by exercising more
• a bit of both

The best way for a healthier lifestyle is by doing a bit of both. If you are aiming to lose some weight remember a weekly loss of 1lb (1/2 kilo) is all you should expect. Losing too much weight too quickly is not good for you.