Height/weight chart

If you're underweight, this may be of concern. You may need to put on weight, in which case this should be done as part of a well-balanced and nutritious diet. If your weight is very low, consult your GP.

If your weight is in the ok range, you don't need to lose weight. You're eating the right amount of food to keep your weight in the desirable range for health, but it's still important to make sure you're eating a healthy balanced diet. If your weight is at the lower end of the range, try to maintain it and don't be tempted to aim for the underweight category.

If you're overweight for your height, make sure you don't put on any more weight. Try to cut down on the amount you're eating, especially food and drinks high in fat or sugar, and try to do more physical activity. Aim to lose half to one kilogram (one to two pounds) a week, until you get down to the OK weight range. Check with your GP if you need to lose weight and you've had problems losing it in the past. Have a look at the How to be a healthy weight section for some practical tips.

If your weight has reached the obesity level (or fat/very fat on the 'Are you the right weight for your height?' chart), this could increase your risk of heart disease, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. If you fall into this group, it's important for you to lose weight. If you've had problems trying to lose weight in the past, check with your GP first.

But remember this information is only a guide and it's aimed at healthy adults. It isn't suitable for children, young people or older people.

Also, if you have well-developed muscles, you may find that you will fall into the category of overweight on the Body Mass Index calculator and the 'Are you the right weight for your height?' chart, when in fact you may have a healthy body shape and very little fat.

To view a larger Ashwell shape chart click here.



Check where your height/waist measurement falls:

brown 'Take care' area

This means you will probably have a tall thin 'chilli' type of shape. This isn't desirable for good health so you need to take care. You may need to gain weight.

green 'OK' area

This means you will probably have a healthy 'pear' shape, which is a healthy shape. With this type of body shape, any excess fat is stored under the skin around the bottom, hips and thighs, which is less harmful to health than having an apple shape.

amber 'Take care' area

This means you will probably have a 'pear-apple' shape, which means you should take care. Make sure you don't put on any more weight, especially if your measurements fall towards the upper end of the area.

red 'Action' area

This means you will probably have an 'apple' shape. With this body shape excess fat is stored deep below the skin in the stomach area, which will increase your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, raised blood pressure, Type II diabetes and some types of cancer. Your health is likely to be at risk so speak to your GP about losing weight.

Source: www.food.gov.uk

Cool, no tension, fall in the OK range and can gain quite a few Kgs too without getting tensed...

I cant gain weight.... but i can surely loose some weight to be stay in okk area.....

only thing is whatever exercise i do i m not able to loose weight

Sleep less...