Risks of excess weight

Research tells us that people who are very overweight (sometimes called obese), can have a lower life expectancy and are particularly at risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.  Men and women with an ‘apple’ shape (more fat around the waist than on the hips) may be especially prone to diabetes and heart disease.  Because mind and body are closely linked, overweight people are more likely to suffer from depression and poor self-esteem.  People who are obese often have extra health problems, such as pain in their back and knee joints, caused by the excess weight they are carrying.  Difficulty with breathing and poor quality sleep often accompany this.

The benefits of losing weight

Getting away from the negative side, there are huge benefits from losing even a small amount of weight as long as you can keep it off.  The risk of disease decreases with each 1lb (½ kg) lost so even a modest weight loss is worth the effort in terms of your health and quality of life.