Weight loss for healthy living
 Adult obesity rates in the UK have tripled since 1982. Now 19% of Britons are obese and 39% are overweight, leading some to believe that we are in the grip of an obesity epidemic. With the country getting fatter, it is vital people understand that weight loss is not an exercise in eating less, but a life-long program for improving overall health.
Obesity facts
- Over 30,000 deaths each year are caused by obesity in England
- UK obesity rates have tripled since 1982 - nearly 1 in 5 are now obese
- Obesity can lead to serious health problems - including heart disease
- Obesity can reduce life expectancy by eight years in diabetics
The difference between overweight and obese
To most people, the term ‘obesity’ means to be very overweight. However, health professionals define ‘overweight’ as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. This means that athletes with a lot of muscle can be overweight without needing to lose weight to improve their health.
Obesity, on the other hand, is more narrowly defined as an excess amount of body fat. Everyone needs a certain amount of body fat for energy, heat insulation, shock absorption, and other functions; and as a rule, women have more body fat than men. For definitive purposes, most health care providers agree that men with more than 25 percent body fat are considered obese; and women with more than 30 percent body fat are considered obese.
More Weight Loss Definitions
How do I know if I am obese or overweight?
 The best thing to do is talk to a doctor. Your doctor will be able to confirm if your weight is putting you at risk of more serious health problems; advise you of how much weight you need to lose to meet the ideal weight for your height; and if necessary, prescribe the best treatment for achieving your ideal weight. One way a doctor determines if you are overweight or obese, is by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of more than 30 indicates that a person is obese; and consequently at risk of developing more serious health problem.
Consult with a HealthExpress doctor via an online consultation - receive their advice; and if necessary, access to medical treatment from HealthExpress
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) using our BMI calculator - see if you are obese; and able to seek medical treatment from HealthExpress
What is my BMI and what does it tell me?
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a mathematical formula that calculates your ‘weight to height ratio’. Although the BMI range is not an exact range of healthy and unhealthy weight, it is a useful guideline for gauging your ideal weight for your height. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates a person is overweight, but not at high risk of developing serious health problems. A person with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese; and is able to seek medical treatment to improve their health.
What causes obesity?
 In scientific terms, obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. What causes this imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned differs from person to person. Genetic, environmental, psychological, and other factors all play a part.
How is obesity treated?
You can read about the various treatment options here - Obesity Treatments
The method of treatment depends on your BMI, overall health condition, and motivation to lose weight. Treatment may include a combination of diet, exercise, behavior modification, and sometimes weight loss pills. In some cases where these treatments are ineffective, gastrointestinal surgery may be recommended.
Prescription Medication
There are a number of prescription drugs available to help you lose weight. As a responsible website, we only offer treatments once a private consultation has been completed, and reviewed by a registered UK doctor. The consultation is free and there is no obligation to buy any of the treatments that may be suggested.
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