Young Wrexham

Obesity

Being obese means that a person’s weight could endanger their health, becoming obese can happen gradually as more calories are eaten than are being used by the amount of exercise that is being taken.

There are some medical conditions that cause weight gain, if you think you are gaining weight for no apparent reason it is wise to discuss your concerns with your GP who will give you advice on losing weight whatever the reason.

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) gives you an indication if you are overweight.

Calculation of BMI

• Measure your height in meters and multiply it by itself = X
• Measure your weight in kilogram’s = Y
• Divide Y by X = BMI

For example, for a person who weighs 80kg and is 1.7m tall:

• 1.7 x 1.7 = 2.89 (X)
• 80 (Y) divide 2.89 = BMI 27.68 - this is in the overweight category

The following relates BMI to healthy weight:

• BMI less than 20 - under weight
• BMI 20 to 25 - healthy weight
• BMI 25 to 30 - overweight
• BMI 30+ - obese

Eating a healthy balanced diet and taking exercise will help to reduce weight and maintain a healthy weight. Check out the CLIC sections on Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Fashionable and crash diets are not a sensible way to lose weight. Understanding the food groups that you need to include in your diet and the right portions of foods to eat will help you to change to a diet that you will be able to follow for the rest of your life.

Deciding that you will never eat chips, chocolate and cake ever again will not be realistic. Eating less of these foods and increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) you include in your daily diet and taking regular exercise (e.g. walking for 30 minutes a day) will be more effective in helping you to lose weight.