Eating well plays an important part in maintaining a healthy weight, which is an important part of overall good health. Being overweight can led to health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. Being underweight could also affect your health. Check whether you’re a healthy weight by using our Healthy weight calculator. If you’re trying to lose weight, healthy food choices will help: aim to cut down on foods that are high in fat and sugar, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. You can find information and advice to help in Lose weight. If you’re underweight, see Underweight adults. If you’re worried about your weight, ask your GP or a dietitian for advice.
Physical activity can help you to maintain a healthy weight. Being active doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym: you can find ways to fit more activity into your daily life. For example, try getting off the bus one stop early on the way home from work, and walking.
There are many ways that busy mums, families, young people, office workers and older adults can build physical activity into their lives.
Being physically active is easier than you think, especially if you make activity part of your daily routine. The amount of activity you need to do each week depends on your age. Click on the links below to find out how much exercise you should be doing:
- early childhood (under 5 years old)
- children and young people (5–18 years old)
- adults (19–64 years old)
- older adults (65 and over)
Daily chores such as shopping, cooking or housework don’t count towards your activity target. This is because your body doesn’t work hard enough to get your heart rate up.
If you have a disability, talk to your healthcare team about the amount and types of activities that are right for you.