Managing your weight

Getting to a healthy weight is about keeping the right balance between the energy that you put into your body (food), and the energy you burn through physical activity.

But you don't always have to spend hours at the gym and go on a strict diet. In fact, you can get to a healthy weight by making a few small and long-lasting changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Checking your Body Mass Index (BMI)

You can have your height and weight measured at your local GP surgery, the results of which are then used to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height. For the most of us, a BMI between 18 and 25 is ideal.

If it is higher than 25, your GP or health professional will have discussed this with you and provided you with information and support to help you achieve a healthy weight.

Keep track of your BMI

You can use the NHS Choices interactive healthy weight calculator to find out your current BMI and keep track of your BMI as it changes. The calculator will also direct you to NHS Choices information that is relevant for you.

Losing weight

There is a lot of information, advice and support on the NHS Choices website to help you reach your ideal weight.

You can find out how to:

• swap high-calorie snacks for healthier alternatives
• walk 10,000 steps a day
• discover the hidden causes of weight gain, including stress

Visit the NHS Choices website to find out more about losing weight.

Get moving

People who are overweight or obese may need to do 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity a day to lose weight.

But that doesn't have to mean hours spent at the gym or jogging around the park. Physical activity means anything that gets you warm, raises your heart rate a little for a sustained period and makes you slightly out of breath. It can include:

• brisk walking
• cycling
• gardening
• dancing
• DIY
• walking upstairs.

Find out more on the Get moving section on the NHS Choices website.

Change4Life

If you want you and your family to lead a healthy lifestyle, there's lots more advice and support at the Change4Life website.

At Change4Life you can find out about eating well and getting more physical activity into your daily routine. Changes to your lifestyle are easier to make when people around you join in so get the whole family involved. You can fill in an online questionnaire and receive a personalised action plan for the whole family.