Weight Control
Obesity and being overweight – especially belly fat – are linked to a higher risk of heart diseases. Weight loss reduces the risk of dying from heart disease and helps prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and contributes to averting cardiovascular diseases. Weight loss can be achieved by eating less and being more active.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement used to determine whether a patient is overweight/ obese. Obtain your BMI by dividing your weight in kg by your height in metres squared (kg/m2)
Classification of overweight and obesity by body mass index (1)
| Obesity Class | BMI (kg/m2) | |
| Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 | |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 | |
| Obesity | I | 30.0 – 34.9 |
| II | 35.0 – 39.9 | |
| Extreme Obesity | III | ≥ 40 |
- Risk is lowest with a body mass index (BMI) of 20 to 25 kg/m2 (in people under 60 years of age). Further weight reduction does not protect against cardiovascular disease.
- Waist circumference should be less than 94 cm in men and less than 80 cm in women.
Reference:
Healthy Heart.org. (2022) Keeping a healthy weight. Available at:https://www.healthy-heart.org/keep-your-heart-healthy/keeping-a-healthy-weight/ (Accessed 12/11/2022)