FAQs

Click on the questions below for the answers:

  • What is the difference between being obese and being overweight?

    Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.

    For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). To find out more about BMI visit our BMI Calculator »

  • Is the definition different between men and women, and adults and children?

    For adults overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). To find out more about BMI visit our BMI Calculator »

    BMI is still the most common method of defining overweight and obesity in children. However the definition is slightly different. Because when we are younger our BMI changes with age and differs between the sexes, special age and sex-specific charts called centile charts are needed for childhood and adolescence. Cut off levels are then used for defining overweight and obesity.

  • Is obesity hereditary?

    Our genes play a role in determining how susceptible we are to becoming overweight or obese. Genes can influence how the body burns calories for energy and how the body stores fat. However lifestyle is a major determining factor for the majority of the population. Surf the Fit Chance website to get useful tips on how to make healthier food choices and lose weight.

  • What is BMI?

    BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is defined as the person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in metres. It is used because defining cut-offs for overweight and obesity cannot be based on weight alone.

  • If I lose weight, how will I benefit?

    Weight loss in overweight and obese individuals can improve physical, psychological and social health. There is good evidence to suggest that a moderate weight loss of 5-10% of body weight in obese individuals is associated with important health benefits, particularly in a reduction in blood pressure and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

    You will also look and feel better if you shed a few extra pounds.

  • I have tried to lose weight many times, and it never works. What am I doing wrong?

    Many people have difficulty losing weight. There are many reasons for this but it is often linked to setting ourselves unrealistic goals. For tips on how to set realistic goals and achieve long term weight loss visit the weight loss page on this site »

  • I work long hours and do not have time to cook healthy meals; how can I still eat healthy?

    If you are working long hours it can be hard to make time to cook during the week. You could try cooking ‘bulk’ meals at the weekend and freezing the leftovers so you have a quick easy homemade microwave meal for during the week.

    There are also loads of tasty meals you can make quickly – try omelettes with mushrooms and spinach or the recipe for vege-tastic pizza in the foodhall (it only takes 15 minutes, rather than the 45 you’ll wait for a delivery)

    Alternatively if you are buying ready meals make sure you look at our jargon buster so that you choose the healthiest option available.

  • What can the whole family do together to get fit and lose weight?

    Exercising as a family is a great way to get everyone more active – Check out the tots to tweens page for some tops tips.

  • Eating healthy seems to be very expensive. How can I eat healthy and stay within my food budget?

    Eating healthily on a budget can be done. Healthy eating isn’t about expensive organic fruit and veg. You can use tinned and frozen as well and they are just as good for you but a fraction of the cost.

    Healthy meals are based on starchy carbohydrates like pasta, rice and potatoes (ideally wholemeal varieties). These are often available as ‘value’ products so you can get a bargain.

    The key to healthy eating on a budget is to plan what you want to eat and to stick to your shopping list.

  • How can I understand the food labels in the supermarket?

    Working out which option is the healthiest can be difficult when you are shopping. Use our jargon buster and all will be revealed! »

  • Where can I find group support to lose weight?

    The main UK slimming groups all offer safe and effective dieting plans. Visit www.weightwatchers.co.uk or www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest slimming group using the post code finder.

    Alternatively many GP practices in Hackney & the City of London offer support to their patients to lose weight. Ask your GP for more information.

  • Where can I find Fitness Activities in the area?

    Start by looking on this website! There is and activities database » which outlines some of the many activities available. Other good places to look for information on organised activities are the councils website www.hackney.gov.uk and www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. Also keep an eye on the local papers for adverts or use the internet to search for specific activities.

  • My nana is obese and cannot move around very much. How can she get some exercise?

    It’s never to late to take up exercise. No matter what our age or physical condition, the human body responds positively to exercise. Have a look at our older people’s page for tips on good exercises for older people you can pass on. Alternatively why not surf this website together?

  • My GP says my child is obese. What can I do to help him/her?

    For tips on things you can do to get your child active and eating more healthily visit the tots to tweens page.

    There are also special programmes run to help young people in the borough lose weight and develop healthier behaviours.

    If your child is aged 7-13 Healthy Lifestyles is a 10 week programme which offers support to young people in achieving healthier lifestyles through physical activity, healthier eating and behaviour change, with an emphasis on having fun and building self-esteem. For more information email des@corehealthandfitness.co.uk

    For older children over 11 CHYPS Plus based at the House behind Lower Clapton Health Centre offers a service specifically designed for young people. For more information call 02089195040 or email chyps@chpct.nhs.uk.

  • What are the Healthy Schools Programmes?

    The National Healthy Schools Programme is an exciting long term initiative that helps young people and their schools to be healthy. Healthy Schools help children and young people to reach their potential by building on a solid foundation of health to do better in learning and in life.  To find out more visit www.healthyschools.gov.uk/Default.aspx

  • I am a teenager, and we don’t get enough exercise at school. Are there other things I can do to get fit?

    It’s recommended that you do 1 hour of moderate intensity physical activity everyday so the chances are your school isn’t offering you enough activity at the moment. There are lots of ways of introducing more activity into your day though. Try walking to or from school or college. Alternatively if you like sports you could join an out of school football or basketball club. For more suggestions visit the Teens section in this site. It will also give you lots of useful info on how to eat more healthily.

  • Kids tease me/tease my child at school. What can I do to stop the bullying?

    Being bullied can really get you down. The important thing is to remember it’s not acceptable. If there is someone you can trust speak to them and ask for help. Alternatively have a look at our advice/helplines page where there are links to other organisations with expertise in dealing with bullying.

  • I don’t know how to cook healthy meals; where can I find some good recipes?

    The foodhall on this site has loads of great healthy recipes to try as a starting point.

  • I do not speak English very well. Can I still get help to lose weight?

    Go to the Culture Club section for translated information summarising the key messages for staying fit and losing weight.