Maintaining a healthy weight can improve your overall health and wellbeing. It can reduce the risk of developing conditions such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Certain cancers
- Sleep apnoea
- Joint and back pain
- Liver disease
Losing even a small amount of weight can have significant health benefits. A weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight may help improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar control.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a complex long-term health condition that occurs when excess body fat affects health and wellbeing.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used as a guide to assess weight status. It compares your weight to your height:
- Healthy weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30 or above
BMI is not suitable for everyone and should be considered alongside other factors such as waist measurement, ethnicity, fitness level and overall health.
You can calculate your BMI using the NHS BMI calculator: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/
Causes of Weight Gain
Weight gain can occur for many reasons, including:
- Eating more calories than your body uses
- Lack of physical activity
- Genetics and family history
- Certain medical conditions
- Some medications
- Emotional wellbeing, stress, anxiety or depression
- Poor sleep and shift work
- Social and environmental factors
Obesity is not simply a matter of willpower. Many factors can influence body weight, and support is available.
Healthy Weight Management
The most effective approach to weight loss is making sustainable lifestyle changes.
Healthy Eating
Try to:
- Eat regular meals
- Include plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains
- Choose lean sources of protein
- Reduce foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat
- Be mindful of portion sizes
- Limit sugary drinks and alcohol
- Drink plenty of water
Physical Activity
Adults should aim for at least:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, or
- 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity
Activities may include:
- Brisk walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Gardening
- Dancing
- Exercise classes
Any increase in activity can benefit your health.
Beezee
Beezee Adults is Bristol’s weight management programme offered by Maximus UK. They help adults lose weight in a healthy way by making small realistic changes to keep it off for good.
They have specialist programmes for men who are struggling with their weight
Website
Beezee BristolParkrun
A free and weekly event that takes place in parks and open spaces. Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
Website
ParkrunPhysical activity referral scheme
It’s a 12 week scheme where you visit a participating leisure centre or gym at least twice a week.
You’ll get a personalised exercise programme with a trained referral instructor, based around your health conditions and what you’d like to achieve, even if you haven’t exercised before.
Website
Physical activity referral schemeNHS Digital Weight Management Programme
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme supports adults living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or both, to manage their weight and improve their health.
It is a 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme that people can access via a smartphone or computer with internet access
Website
NHS Digital Weight Management ProgrammeBristol City Council- Healthy weight
Information, guidance and resources about encouraging healthy weight in schools.
Website
Healthy weightBMI calculator
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.
Website
NHS: BMI healthy weight calculatorSlimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website
Slimming WorldWeight Watchers
Meetings, online or a little bit of both. They’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website
Weight Watchers
Weight Loss Medication
Weight loss medications may be suitable for some people when combined with lifestyle changes.
Eligibility depends on factors including:
- BMI
- Weight-related health conditions
- Previous weight management attempts
- National and local NHS prescribing guidance
These medications are not suitable for everyone and require assessment by a healthcare professional.
Availability of Weight Loss Medication
Weight loss medications are currently only available on the NHS for a small number of patients who meet strict eligibility criteria set nationally and locally.
Our practice is only able to offer these medications to patients who meet these specific criteria. Due to the prescribing restrictions, most patients seeking support with weight management will continue to be offered lifestyle advice and referral to appropriate weight management services.
If you are eligible for NHS weight loss medication through our practice, we will contact you directly. There is no need to contact the surgery to request these medications unless you have been advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
For patients who do not meet the current eligibility criteria, we can discuss other options and sources of support to help you achieve and maintain a healthier weight.