Eat well and lose weight

The latest information to help you eat well and manage your weight

Losing weight isn’t about getting it right first time – it’s about getting started. Making small, simple changes can really help you shed the pounds. There is lots of support and resources to help you get started today:

• Free NHS weight loss plan - This can help you start healthier eating habits, be more active and start losing weight. The plan is broken down into 12 weeks so you can set weight loss goals, use the BMI calculator, plan your meals, and record your activity and progress. Download the free NHS weight loss plan
• Free Healthy Recipes – Healthy eating doesn't need to be dull. Whip up tasty, affordable family meals with easy step-by-step recipes from NHS Better Health. Find tasty, healthier mid-week dinners, easy-to-prepare packed lunches, and delicious puds the whole family will love plus much more. Filter the recipe collection by meal type, prep and cooking time, main ingredient and dietary requirement. Visit NHS Better Health – Healthy Recipes
• Want to get active? - Try Couch to 5K or Active 10, or find many more options on Get Active – NHS Better Health

You can find useful information and advice at NHS Live Well - Managing your weight.

BMI and additional support

You can calculate your BMI using the NHS BMI calculator.

If you have a BMI over 30 (kg/m2)* you may be eligible for additional support.

If you are black, Asian or have an ethnic minority background, a BMI over 27.5 (kg/m2) may make you eligible for additional support. This is because you may have an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI if you are from these ethnic backgrounds.

If you are severely overweight, you may be eligible for additional NHS support. Please speak with your GP to find out if you are eligible.

For information and advice about weight for children and young people you can visit Children’s Weight - NHS Live Well.