Healthy Weight Support
Reaching and staying at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. Whatever stage you're starting from, small, sustainable changes make the biggest difference - and we want to be able to support you with this.
Why does a health weight matter?
Carrying excess weight, particularly around your middle, increases the chance of developing a number of long term health conditions. Moving towards a health weight - even a small, gradual reduction - can bring real benefits:
Understand where you're starting from
A good first step is finding out whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height. This isn't about judgement - it's simply a useful starting point so that you can understand what steps you can do to protect your health.
Calculate your BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) uses your height and weight to estimate whether you're in a healthy weight range. The NHS calculator also accounts for ethnicity, since some groups face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
Measure your waist
BMI doesn't tell the whole story - carrying fat around your middle carries extra health risk even at a healthy BMI. Using a waist to height ratio is an important tool to use and guidance can be found in the link.
Take the Healthy Choices Quiz
Not sure where to start? Answer a few questions about your lifestyle and get personalised, practical advice on the areas that matter most for you.
Important
A note on ethnicity and BMI: people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, Black Caribbean or Middle Eastern heritage can be at higher risk of health problems at a lower BMI than the standard adult threshold. The NHS BMI calculator takes this into account - it's worth using even if you don't think of yourself as overweight.
Eating well
There's no single 'correct' diet - what matters most is a balanced, varied way of eating that you can stick with. The NHS Eatwell Guide is the UK's official guidance on healthy, balanced eating for adults and children over 5.
Being Active
Adults are encouraged to build up to 150 minutes of moderate activity a week - roughly 20 to 30 minutes a day. It doesn't need to be a gym - brisk walking, gardening, dancing in the kitchen, or extra steps on the school run all count. Every little bit adds up, and something is always better than nothing.
You can find more guidance about how to be more active at the links below.
Sleep
Poor sleep can affect appetite, blood pressure, mood and motivation — so looking after your sleep is looking after your heart too. Small, consistent routines tend to help more than any single fix: a regular bedtime, less screen time before bed, and a wind-down that works for you.
If you are struggling to get to sleep, or struggling to stay asleep - call your GP practice who will refer you to the 'North Devon Coastal Sleep Easy Service' where members of our team will support you in getting a good nights rest!
Most importantly...
This page is about heart health and weight and the guidance available to support you from whatever your starting point is.
There is no 'right' body shape and no perfect plan. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and there isn't one 'healthy weight' that is right for everyone. Some people reading this will want to lose weight, some just want practical tips and some are just curious - wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here and we are here to support you.
Small, steady changes make the biggest difference.
Important
You won't be judged. If weight comes up in an appointment at your practice, it's because it's relevant to your health. You're always in control of that conversation. You can ask to focus on something else, or come back to it another time.