Understanding your weight

Your Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measure of your weight compared to your height. Having a BMI above the healthy range increases your risk of many diseases including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  You can use the NHS Body Mass Index calculator to check your BMI and find out if you are a healthy weight. If you are very muscular, BMI may not be an accurate predictor of your body fat but this only applies to people who do very high levels of exercise.

It can be difficult to know which way of measuring ourselves is best for tracking our progress and keeping us motivated.  Measuring weight is the simplest way to do this.  Your weight varies throughout the day so try to weigh yourself at the same time and in the same circumstances.  First thing in the morning is usually best, after you have gone to the toilet but before you get dressed and have breakfast.  If you don't have scales at home, try asking if you can measure your weight at your GP surgery, local pharmacy or leisure centre.  We recommend that you weigh yourself no more than once or twice a week and look for change over several weeks.  Don't get discouraged if you see a loss and then a slight gain. 

If you prefer not to weigh yourself, measuring your neck, waist, hip or leg circumference is another way to track your progress. You can find out more about measuring your waist circumference here.