Resources > Healthy Body

Healthy weight

Staying a healthy weight is one of the best ways to look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Being overweight increases the likelihood of diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It can also lead to joint pain, breathing problems and can also affect mood, self-confidence and decrease your energy levels.

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Being underweight can give you a weakened immune system, fragile bones and fertility challenges.

Being a healthy weight is a balancing act between the food you eat and how much physical activity you do.

Generally, most people are a lot more sedentary than in the past (spend less time moving) and eat food with much more calories in. As a result, more people are overweight than in the past.

Long-term changes to the way you eat and keeping active is the best way to keep a healthy weight.

Understanding your weight

Check whether you are at a healthy weight for your height using the NHS BMI calculator.

For Adults aged 40-74, your local GP can provide a free health check which includes measuring your BMI.

If your results show that you are underweight, you can find advice on the NHS website. It’s also important to speak with your GP for further guidance.

An older man wearing glasses, a hat, and a green plaid shirt hangs laundry on a clothesline outdoors, with a wooden fence in the background.

If your BMI is higher than recommended, the following steps can help you work towards being and staying a healthy weight:

Follow a balanced, healthy diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods - visit our Healthy Eating page for top tips.
Increase your physical activity gradually, choosing activities you enjoy - use our Keeping Active page to find local groups and classes where you get can get active.
Think about why being a healthy weight matters to you and set a goal that matters to you and suits your lifestyle.
Build a support network, as having encouragement from others can improve your chances of success.

Get support to manage your weight, change the way you eat & get active

Three people in a kitchen prepare food together, smiling and chatting. An older woman wears an orange apron, while a younger woman and a man in a pink turban are also helping with the meal prep. Vegetables are on the counter.

Live Healthier Havering weight management programme - free support programme to lose weight.

Learning disability healthy lifestyle programme - free support programme for people with learning disabilities to lose weight.

Speak to a Health & Wellbeing Coach or Dietician at your GP practice if they have one.

Find local groups and classes where you get can get active.

Havering Exercise Referral Scheme for adults with long-term health conditions.

Download the free NHS Weight Loss Plan app

Visit our Diabetes page for support preventing and managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Go to a free live webinar run by local Nutritionist, SA Nutrition.

If you would like to understand more about your child’s weight, visit Better Health Healthier Families for information and support.

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