Why is this important?
BMI is a useful measurement for most people over 18 years old. A BMI of 20-25 kg/m² is considered a healthy weight for most adults. However, BMI is only an estimate and doesn’t take into account age, ethnicity, gender and body disposition. It is not an accurate measure of healthy weight for pregnant women, children, older people or athletes.
Being underweight may affect important body functions such as your immune response to infection and fertility or it can lead to health issues from heart disease to bone problems.
Being overweight or obese can lead to increased risk of heart disease, bone and joint problems as well as increasing your risk of some cancers, sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes.
Putting on weight and trying to lose weight can be hard. Don’t be disheartened or de-motivated if progress is slow. It’s important to decide on small, practical changes that you feel comfortable with and that you’ll be able to stick to. It’s helpful to get support from family or friends when you’re trying to change your weight.