Body weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of bowel cancer.
Measuring your BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple way of finding out if you’re a healthy weight for your height. Your practice nurse, GP or dietitian can help you, or you can check your BMI on the NHS website.
As well as being physically active, here are a few tips to reduce your calorie intake to help you reach a healthy weight:
- Be aware of portion sizes. If you’re still hungry after a meal, choose a health option, such as fruit
- Be aware of ‘large’ or ‘value-sized’ offers. They often give you more food than you need, leading to weight gain
- Avoid sugary drinks such as cola, lemonade, fruit squash with added sugar and fruit juices
- Alcohol is high in calories so limit the amount you drink.
- Watch out for extra calories from biscuits, cakes, sweets and crisps. Snack on fruit and vegetables instead.
The energy in the food we eat is measured in kilocalories, often shortened to calories. The recommended daily calorie intake for moderately active people is around 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 calories for men.
If you are very overweight and have other health problems, speak to your GP before beginning a weight management and exercise programme.
Find out more at nhs.uk/live-well.
Updated August 2024
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