Introduction

It’s important to keep an eye on your weight, as weighing too much or weighing too little can increase your risk of several health conditions.

Checking your weight

The easiest way to check your weight is at home. There are many budget friendly bathroom scales available to purchase in high street shops or online.

If you don’t have your own scales, you’ll be able to weigh yourself at your doctor's surgery. Boots Pharmacies often have scales available in store for you to use too.

For a more in-depth look at your weight, members of East Riding Leisure can book an appointment to use a Boditrax machine. This does a full body scan and weighs each part of your body. Learn more on our East Riding Leisure website.

BMI calculator

Knowing your body mass index (BMI) is an important step to understanding if you are a healthy weight. Some scales do this automatically for you, or you can use the BMI healthy weight calculator on the NHS website.

If you are overweight

If you're overweight or obese, it can increase your risk of developing a whole range of health problems. These include conditions, such as:

• coronary heart disease
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• type 2 diabetes
• osteoarthritis
• some types of cancer
• liver disease
• asthma
• sleep apnoea
• fertility problems.

Generally you put weight on when you regularly eat and drink more calories than you burn through normal bodily functions and physical activity. Some health conditions can also cause weight gain.

If you are underweight

If you’re finding it difficult to eat enough because, for example, you have little or no appetite or have difficulty chewing or swallowing, you might find yourself feeling tired, depressed and low on energy. This is because you’re lacking essential vitamins and minerals.

You could also experience health issues, such as:

• osteoporosis
• poor muscle strength
• reduced immune function – so you're more likely to get infections
• increased risk of heart problems
• fertility problems.

Help and support with weight management

The following organisations can provide support with managing your weight: