Do you need to lose weight? There are a number of online resources and local Clinics that you can access without having to see your Doctor for a referral.
Weighing too much or too little can have a number of consequences on your overall health.
Why a healthy weight range is important
By being above or below your healthy weight range you’re increasing your chances of suffering from a number of serious health problems.
Health problems associated with being overweight include:
- type 2 diabetes
- stroke
- heart disease
- some cancers
- issues with fertility in women
- high blood pressure
- osteoarthritis
- fatty liver disease
- kidney disease
Health problems associated with being underweight include:
- weakened immune system
- osteoporosis
- anaemia
- issues with fertility in women
- palpitations
How to lose weight safely
Losing weight safely and at a realistic pace is the best way to reach your healthy weight and to maintain that weight in the long-term.
To make sure you lose weight safely, always speak to your GP before starting a new diet or fitness regime.
Dieting safely
You can achieve safe and realistic weight loss by cutting your calorie intake down by between 300 – 500 calories per day. On average, this should see you lose 1 to 2 pounds per week. While this might not seem like much, it would equal between 26 and 52 pounds in only 6 months.
Setting small and realistic goals will help you lose weight safely and will make you more likely to maintain any weight loss in the long-term.
Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, starchy carbohydrates and whole grains will keep you fuller for longer and mean you are less likely to snack. Picking these healthy foods is a much better way to approach healthy eating and weight loss.
