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Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, get active or quit smoking, Better Health is here with lots of free tools and support. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.
There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let's do this!
If you are living with obesity and also have diabetes or high blood pressure, or both, you could benefit from the 12-week NHS Digital Weight Management Programme. You can access the programme through referral from the GP practice.
It can be hard to keep healthy and active, but the free NHS Digital Weight Management Programme can help you develop healthier eating habits, be more active and lose weight. The programme is available on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
You can read more about the programme in their leaflet
Speak to your GP Practice today to find out how the programme could benefit you.
Download the NHS weight loss guide – our free 12-week diet and exercise plan. The plan, which has been downloaded more than 4 million times, is designed to help you lose weight safely – and keep it off.
Use the BMI calculator to find out if you or your child's weight is healthy.
A body mass index (BMI) above the healthy weight range or too much fat around your waist can increase your risk of serious health problems, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain cancers.
Being underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or you may be ill. If you're underweight, a GP can help.
Find out more in underweight adults
Keep up the good work! For tips on maintaining a healthy weight, check out the food and diet and fitness sections.
The best way to lose weight if you're overweight is through a combination of diet and exercise.
The BMI calculator will give you a personal calorie allowance to help you achieve a healthy weight safely.
The best way to lose weight if you're obese is through a combination of diet and exercise, and, in some cases, medicines. See a GP for help and advice.
Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing some long-term (chronic) conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
These adults with a BMI of:
Measuring your waist is a good way to check you're not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can raise your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
You can have a healthy BMI and still have excess tummy fat, meaning you're still at risk of developing these conditions.
To measure your waist:
Regardless of your height or BMI, you should try to lose weight if your waist is:
You're at very high risk and should contact a GP if your waist is:
For children and young people aged 2 to 18, the BMI calculator takes into account age and gender as well as height and weight.
Overweight children are thought to be at increased risk of a variety of health conditions, and they're also more likely to be overweight as adults.
The BMI calculator works out if a child or young person is:
A child's BMI is expressed as a "centile" to show how their BMI compares with children who took part in national surveys.
For example, a girl on the 75th centile is heavier than 75 out of 100 other girls her age.
Measuring waist size is not routinely recommended for children because it does not take their height into account.
See a GP if you're concerned about your child's weight. They may be able to refer you to your local healthy lifestyle programme for children, young people and families.
Find out more in underweight children aged 6 to 12 and very overweight children.
Get tips on how to encourage your child to be more active and eat well
Your BMI can tell you if you're carrying too much weight, but it cannot tell if you're carrying too much fat.
The BMI cannot tell the difference between excess fat, muscle or bone.
The adult BMI does not take into account age, gender or muscle mass.
This means:
Pregnancy will also affect a woman's BMI result. Your BMI will go up as your weight increases. You should use your pre-pregnancy weight when calculating your BMI.
Apart from these limitations, the BMI is a relatively straightforward and convenient way of assessing someone's weight.
If you have an eating disorder, the BMI calculator results do not apply. Please get further advice from a GP.
You can use your BMI result as a starting point for further discussion with a GP about your weight and general health.
Find out how your GP can help you lose weight and check out the Change4Life website for practical tips on staying healthy as a family.
A BMI above the healthy weight range or too much fat around your waist can increase your risk of serious health problems like:
