Most women seem to be on a perpetual diet, and even those of us who aren’t tend to worry about our size.  Does my bum look too big?  I can’t wear that swimming costume, I’m putting on weight, etc etc…….The fact is though, that most of us are fine as we are: we don’t need to lose weight despite the images we see to the contrary in glossy magazines.

So how can you know if you do need to lose weight? First, you can check your BMI (body mass index). This is a calculation of body fat to height. It allows you to find out whether you’re the right weight for your height. You can find BMI calculators on the Internet – just type it into Google – or you can find one on the BBC. The BMI score will show you where you are on a scale from underweight to obese. The numbers break down like this:

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obese = BMI of 30 or greater

If your BMI score does indicate that you are overweight, the best way to lose weight, and keep it off, is to gradually change your lifestyle.  You need to eat a healthy, balanced diet and take exercise regularly as part of your daily routine. Like walking!!