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HOME / HEALTH ADVICE / OBESITY

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Obesity

Obesity is when someone is excessively fat for their height and sex. It is measured by calculating BMI (Body Mass Index). Obesity is now the most serious medical problem in the Western world

Obesity is caused by eating more calories than your body uses on a daily basis. These extra calories will be stored as fat

The following problems can all be caused or made worse by obesity:

  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • stroke
  • heart problems
  • some types of cancer
  • arthritis of the back and legs
  • gallstones
  • menstrual problems
  • incontinence of urine
  • breathing problems
  • some complications of pregnancy
  • depression
  • and the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke, obesity related cancers, and complications of diabetes is significantly higher than someone who is not obese

You can find an on-line BMI calculator on the NHS UK web site, which will allow you to enter your details in metric (cms, kilograms) or imperial (feet/inches, stones/pounds)

Once you have calculated your BMI value use the table below to see whether any action is recommended

BMI value
Comment
Under 18.5 Your are underweight. You might want to discuss this with a Nurse or Doctor when you next see them
18.5 to < 25 Your weight is in the healthy range
25 to < 30 You are overweight and need to look at your diet and exercise levels
30 to < 40 You are significantly overweight and need to look at your diet and exercise levels. You are welcome to consider booking an appointment with a practice nurse for a lifestyle risk assessment
Over 40 You are very significantly overweight and need to look at your diet and exercise levels. You are welcome to consider booking an appointment with a practice nurse for a lifestyle risk assessment
Important notes: the BMI value and comments in this table are for adults only. It does not apply to children, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding. Also, your calculated BMI may not be accurate if you are a weight-trainer, athlete, over the age of 60, or have a long-term health condition

If you BMI is above 25 you might want to look at the following helpful pages on our web site: Exercise for health, Healthy eating, Healthy eating for students, Weight Management

Source: LSMP
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Last revision: March 2013