Risk Factors

Overweight and obesity

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Maintaining a healthy body weight

Body Mass Index (BMI)

The Body Max Index (also known as BMI) is a calculation that uses a combination of your height and weight to indicate if you have a healthy weight.
The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared.
Click here to calculate your BMI (if you only know your height and weight pounds and feet, the tool can also calculate your BMI using imperial units).
The BMI values indicate how healthy your weight is.
You should always try to maintain a BMI of between 18.5 to 24.9.
The World Health Organization categorizes BMI into 6 status levels, as shown in the box.

*World Health Organization categories

Waste Size

Waist size is also important for your health. If you have excess fat around waist, you may be at increased risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Waist circumference is a good measure of visceral fat, which is a fat that builds up around your organs, which can lead to health problems.

Monitoring your weight

You can monitor your weight at home using a good quality bathroom scale.

Always weigh yourself at the same time of day
The best time is in the morning
Go to the toilet before starting
Use a good quality bathroom scale (a digital one is best)
Always use the same scale
Weigh yourself naked or always wear the same clothes (light clothing
Place your scale on a hard, even surface
Stand still, with your weight distributed evenly on both feet
Keep track of your weight using an app or print out our downloadable Weight Tracker

Obesity increases the risk of developing many diseases

Obesity is associated with several other consequences

Increased weight is associated with multimorbidity (this means having 2 or more chronic diseases at the same time).
People who are obese also have a higher risk of death.
Overweight and obesity have been linked with poor mental health and reduced quality of life.
Obesity can also cause mobility problems, such as difficulties walking.

Risk factors for obesity

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The importance of obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic

People who are obese before they get COVID-19 are more likely to have severe symptoms and have a higher risk of needing hospitalization and intensive care, especially if they are older and male
Social distancing, lockdowns, and quarantines can affect your weight in many ways. It may be more difficult to exercise due to public health restrictions. Gyms, sports clubs, and swimming pools may be closed. Grocery shopping may also be affected, and some people might snack more often or drink more alcohol than usual.
Therefore, it is important to track your weight and try to maintain a healthy BMI through eating well and increasing your physical activity

Link to Prevention pages

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