Walkers lead by Karen Williams and Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr. Penny Smith head off with a free MP3 player given by The Active Health team at Epping Forest District Council. The MP3 contains a podcast of the walk and its interesting natural history features, narrated by Tricia Moxey and Karen Williams.
A VISION OF BRITAIN - HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS 2
Obese on the Increase!
It’s getting quite alarming when you read the statistics about obesity in the UK. “Over half the UK population is either overweight or obese” and “During the last 25 years, the rate of obesity has quadrupled in the UK”.
But what is obesity and how can we identify if we are obese?
Obesity is measured by Body Mass Index (BMI) scale. This takes into account a person’s weight and height. A person is considered to be obese if they have a BMI of 30 or above, and overweight if their BMI is between 25-30.
Try working out your BMI by following these instructions:
1 - Work out your height in metres and multiply the figure by itself. For example a person that is 1.6m (1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56) this is known as your height squared.
2 - Then measure your weight in kilograms
3 - Now simply divide your weight by your height squared. For example if you measured your weight to be 65Kg you would calculate your BMI like this: 65 ¸ 2.56 = 25.39 this would make this person overweight
So what do we need to do to get in a Normal BMI range of 18.5 - 24.9?
Motivation is essential
Before making any lifestyle change you will need the motivation to succeed, this can be achieved by setting realistic goals, by joining a club, or by making your new lifestyle change with a family member, friend or work colleague.
Make healthier Choices
1 - Increase the amount of starchy food such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and potatoes. Try to choose wholegrain varieties if you can
2 - Eat five portions of fruit & Vegetables per day
3 - Aim to have at least two portions of fish a week.
4 - Reduce your saturated fat and sugar where you can
5 - Reduce your salt intake – no more than 6g a day
6 - Drink more water – 6 to 8 glasses a day will help stop you from getting dehydrated.
7 - Be more active!
Physical activity
Being active can be easy, try finding an activity that will elevate your heart rate to an exertion rate where you are feeling puffed and out of breath. This could be a sport, a hobby, or playing games with your children or grandchildren.
Increase the amount of walking you do each day, go for a walk in the mornings and afternoon.
Lose weight gradually
It is best not to lose weight too fast. If you lose more than a kilogram per week, you may lose muscle tissue rather than fat.
David Hogg
ACTIVE HEALTH DIRECTOR
Be more active
Every Day TIPS to keep you healthy: Click on the links below to find out more
Balancing Act – everything in moderation!
Obese on the Increase!
Be more active!
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