What is the difference between being obese and being
overweight?
Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that
are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given
height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been
shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other
health problems.
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by
using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass
index” (BMI). To find out more about BMI visit our BMI
Calculator
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Is the definition different between men and women, and adults
and children?
For adults overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using
weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass
index” (BMI). To find out more about BMI visit our BMI
Calculator
BMI is still the most common method of defining overweight and
obesity in children. However the definition is slightly different.
Because when we are younger our BMI changes with age and differs
between the sexes, special age and sex-specific charts called
centile charts are needed for childhood and adolescence. Cut off
levels are then used for defining overweight and obesity.
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Is obesity hereditary?
Our genes play a role in determining how susceptible we are to
becoming overweight or obese. Genes can influence how the body
burns calories for energy and how the body stores fat. However
lifestyle is a major determining factor for the majority of the
population. Surf the Fit Chance website to get useful tips on how
to make healthier food choices and lose weight.
What is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is defined as the person’s
weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in
metres. It is used because defining cut-offs for overweight and
obesity cannot be based on weight alone.
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If I lose weight, how will I benefit?
Weight loss in overweight and obese individuals can improve
physical, psychological and social health. There is good evidence
to suggest that a moderate weight loss of 5-10% of body weight in
obese individuals is associated with important health benefits,
particularly in a reduction in blood pressure and a reduced risk of
developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
You will also look and feel better if you shed a few extra
pounds.
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I have tried to lose weight many times, and it never works.
What am I doing wrong?
Many people have difficulty losing weight. There are many
reasons for this but it is often linked to setting ourselves
unrealistic goals. For tips on how to set realistic goals and
achieve long term weight loss visit the weight loss page on this
site
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I work long hours and do not have time to cook healthy meals;
how can I still eat healthy?
If you are working long hours it can be hard to make time to
cook during the week. You could try cooking ‘bulk’ meals at the
weekend and freezing the leftovers so you have a quick easy
homemade microwave meal for during the week.
There are also loads of tasty meals you can make quickly – try
omelettes with mushrooms and spinach or the recipe for vege-tastic
pizza in the foodhall (it only takes 15 minutes, rather than the 45
you’ll wait for a delivery)
Alternatively if you are buying ready meals make sure you look
at our jargon buster so that you choose the healthiest option
available.
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What can the whole family do together to get fit and lose
weight?
Exercising as a family is a great way to get everyone more
active – Check out the tots to tweens page for some tops tips.
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Eating healthy seems to be very expensive. How can I eat
healthy and stay within my food budget?
Eating healthily on a budget can be done. Healthy eating isn’t
about expensive organic fruit and veg. You can use tinned and
frozen as well and they are just as good for you but a fraction of
the cost.
Healthy meals are based on starchy carbohydrates like pasta,
rice and potatoes (ideally wholemeal varieties). These are often
available as ‘value’ products so you can get a bargain.
The key to healthy eating on a budget is to plan what you want
to eat and to stick to your shopping list.
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How can I understand the food labels in the supermarket?
Working out which option is the healthiest can be difficult when
you are shopping. Use our jargon buster and all will be
revealed!
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Where can I find group support to lose weight?
The main UK slimming groups all offer safe and effective dieting
plans. Visit www.weightwatchers.co.uk or www.slimmingworld.co.uk to
find your nearest slimming group using the post code finder.
Alternatively many GP practices in Hackney & the City of
London offer support to their patients to lose weight. Ask your GP
for more information.
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Where can I find Fitness Activities in the area?
Start by looking on this website! There is and activities
database » which outlines some of the many activities available.
Other good places to look for information on organised activities
are the councils website www.hackney.gov.uk and
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. Also keep an eye on the local papers for
adverts or use the internet to search for specific activities.
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My nana is obese and cannot move around very much. How can she
get some exercise?
It’s never to late to take up exercise. No matter what our age
or physical condition, the human body responds positively to
exercise. Have a look at our older people’s page for tips on good
exercises for older people you can pass on. Alternatively why not
surf this website together?
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My GP says my child is obese. What can I do to help
him/her?
For tips on things you can do to get your child active and
eating more healthily visit the tots to tweens page.
There are also special programmes run to help young people in
the borough lose weight and develop healthier behaviours.
If your child is aged 7-13 Healthy Lifestyles is a 10 week
programme which offers support to young people in achieving
healthier lifestyles through physical activity, healthier eating
and behaviour change, with an emphasis on having fun and building
self-esteem. For more information email
des@corehealthandfitness.co.uk
For older children over 11 CHYPS Plus based at the House behind
Lower Clapton Health Centre offers a service specifically designed
for young people. For more information call 02089195040 or email
chyps@chpct.nhs.uk.
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What are the Healthy Schools Programmes?
The National Healthy Schools Programme is an exciting long term
initiative that helps young people and their schools to be healthy.
Healthy Schools help children and young people to reach their
potential by building on a solid foundation of health to do better
in learning and in life. To find out more visit
www.healthyschools.gov.uk/Default.aspx
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I am a teenager, and we don’t get enough exercise at school.
Are there other things I can do to get fit?
It’s recommended that you do 1 hour of moderate intensity
physical activity everyday so the chances are your school isn’t
offering you enough activity at the moment. There are lots of ways
of introducing more activity into your day though. Try walking to
or from school or college. Alternatively if you like sports you
could join an out of school football or basketball club. For more
suggestions visit the Teens section in this site. It will also give
you lots of useful info on how to eat more healthily.
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Kids tease me/tease my child at school. What can I do to stop
the bullying?
Being bullied can really get you down. The important thing is to
remember it’s not acceptable. If there is someone you can trust
speak to them and ask for help. Alternatively have a look at our
advice/helplines page where there are links to other organisations
with expertise in dealing with bullying.
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I don’t know how to cook healthy meals; where can I find some
good recipes?
The foodhall on this site has loads of great healthy recipes to
try as a starting point.
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I do not speak English very well. Can I still get help to lose
weight?
Go to the Culture Club section for translated information
summarising the key messages for staying fit and losing weight.
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