If you are very overweight you are more likely to develop heart disease or a stroke than if you are lean. You are also more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both risk factors for heart disease in their own right. High levels of blood fats and high blood pressure favour the formation of fatty plaques in arteries, which combined with 'sticky blood' and an increased tendency to form clots, present a high risk of blood clots. Blood clots in the coronary arteries can affect the supply of blood to the heart which can lead to a heart attack. Being overweight also makes you more prone to developing diabetes, gallstones, arthritis and certain types of cancer. The good news is that by choosing to make changes to your lifestyle and losing some weight, you could reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Even a modest and permanent weight loss of 5-10% will cut your risk of heart disease and as an added bonus, a new slimmer, trimmer and fitter you!

If you are worried about your weight creeping up, you are not alone! The 1999 Health Survey for England revealed that 19% of men and 21% of women are clinically obese and 44% of men and 33% of women are overweight. Obesity rates have tripled in the past 20 years and if current trends continue, at least 1 in 4 adults will be obese by 2010. We live in an 'obesogenic environment' where it is difficult not to consume more calories than we burn. Food is plentiful, convenient and coming in bigger and bigger sizes and in our 'couch potato' world we do less and less.

Your weight problem is serious. Visit your doctor for a health check.

You may need specialist help to lose weight.