Check your BMI
Check your BMI using the calculator below and then see below for further information and treatment options.
BMI
BMI 25 to 29.9 = Overweight
If your BMI is between 27 and 29.9 you are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses and could benefit from finding healthy ways to lower your weight, such as diet and exercise. Your body weight is controlled by the number of calories you eat and the number of calories you use (burn) each day – if you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. This is done most effectively by being more physically active and eating a bit less.
Treatment:
A healthy and sustainable weight loss is around 4-8 pounds per month. To get started, set yourself a goal and then decide on a habit, that you can do each day over the next four weeks, that will move you towards that goal. For example, you might decide that your goal is to fit into a particular pair of jeans in three months time – your habit might be something like swap my morning biscuits for a piece of fruit and a few nuts. Get yourself a piece of paper and award yourself a tick on each day you complete your habit and put a cross where you don’t manage it – you’ll need at least 6/7 ticks for it to make a difference. Take action now to prevent your weight problem deteriorating.
Click here for general advice from the NHS to help with weight loss
There are also local NHS services available if your BMI >=30 or if your BMI >= 27 plus you have diabetes, high blood pressure or breathing problems.
If you live in Leeds visit the Leeds Let’s Change website where you can register for the ‘Weigh Ahead’ programme.
BMI 30 to 34.9 = Obesity (Class 1)
If your BMI is between 30 and 34.9 you are in a physically unhealthy condition which puts you at risk for serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease and some cancers. If you have type II diabetes you should consider surgery to help with your treatment. If you modified your lifestyle (diet & exercise) and reduced your weight by 5-10 percent you would likely experience considerable health improvements.
Treatment:
Recently guidelines for weight loss surgery have changed and if you have type II diabetes and a BMI of 30 or more you should consider discussion with a surgeon. Non-surgical treatment includes a combination of diet, exercise, behaviour modification and sometimes weight loss drugs. Slow, steady weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week is the safest way to lose weight. Too rapid weight loss can cause you to lose muscle rather than fat and increases your chances of developing other problems such as gallstones and nutrient deficiencies. Making long-term changes in your eating and physical activity habits is the only way to lose weight and keep it off.
You are strongly advised to contact your GP or local NHS weight management service to provide assistance with weight loss. For those with type II diabetes and BMI of 30 or more book a free mini or full private consultation with Mr Hayden now.
BMI 35 to 39.9 = Obesity (Class 2)
If your BMI is between 35 and 39.9 your risk of weight-related health problems and even death, is severe. If your BMI is 35 or above and you have a problem such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type II diabetes or sleep apnoea (see opposite) then your condition is more serious “Morbid obesity”.
Treatment:
The method of treatment here depends on your overall health condition but if you haven’t already, you should make an appointment to see your GP for a check-up and to discuss ways you could lose weight. Treatment includes a combination of diet, exercise, behaviour modification and consider surgery for those with “Morbid Obesity”.
You are strongly advised to seek professional weight loss advice from your GP and local weight management service (see opposite). For those with “Morbid Obesity” book a free mini or full private consultation with Mr Hayden now.
BMI 40 or greater = Morbid Obesity
If your BMI is 40+ you have an extremely high risk of weight-related disease and premature death – in fact you may already be suffering from a weight-related condition and not realise this. In cases of severe obesity, gastrointestinal surgery may be recommended at the outset. A BMI >= 50 is a very serious situation and if you are seeking help with your weight you may be referred straight for an operation (see opposite).
Treatment:
It is very important that you make an appointment to see your GP for a check-up and request referral to an NHS weight management service (see opposite) to get specialist help for your condition. For those with a BMI >= 50, this is a very serious situation and if you are seeking help with your weight you may be referred straight for an operation (see opposite). You could also book a free mini or full private consultation with Mr Hayden now.I
You may qualify for weight loss surgery if:
- BMI >= 50 is a very serious situation and if you are seeking help with your weight you may be referred straight for an operation
- Your BMI >= 40
- Your BMI >= 35 and you have at least one other health problem that may be improved by weight loss e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea
- Your BMI >= 30 and you have type II diabetes
- You have type II diabetes and you are of Asian origin
And…
- All other measures to lose weight have been attempted for six months or more
- You agree to be treated by a specialist obesity service which Mr Hayden can provide in the NHS or privately
- You are fit for an operation under general anaesthesia
- You agree to be followed up for life by a medical team
The National Institute of Clinical and Health Excellence has published guidelines on the management of obesity (CG43)