Stroke Information

• Home
• About Us
• Chest Information
• Heart Information
• Stroke Information
  • Types Of Stroke
  • Transient Ischaemic Attacks
  • Your Stroke Journey
  • How Stroke Affects You
  • Living With A Stroke
  • Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke
    • Blood Thinning Medication
    • Control High Blood Pressure
    • Control Cholesterol
    • Control Diabetes
    • Preventative Surgery
    • Control Weight
    • Eat Healthily
    • Keep Active
    • Moderate Alcohol
    • Stop Smoking
  • Where To Get Help
  • Information For Carers
  • Stroke Links & Contacts
  • Suggested Book List
  • FAQs
• Publications And DVDs
• Community Support
• Fundraising
• Education And Training
• Have Your Say
• Research And Funding
• Volunteering
• Health Professionals

You are in: Home > Stroke Information > Reduce Your Risk Of A Stroke > Control Weight

Control Weight

Being overweight increases the work the heart has to do, causes high blood pressure, and leads to abnormal levels of fat in the blood. It is also associated with diabetes, respiratory disease, gall bladder problems and some cancers.

Losing weight will help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol level.

There are 2 accurate ways of assessing if you are overweight that are recognised as helping to identify weight as a risk factor

1. the Body Mass Index (BMI)
2. a measurement of waist size that indicates central obesity which has an increased cardiovascular risk (heart disease and stroke)

Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

The number is calculated by dividing your weight in kilogrammes by your height in metres

Weight (kg)
Height (m)

This is already done on some weight charts.

What Does Your BMI Tell You?

In the UK the following levels apply. There are various websites that will calculate your BMI for you e.g. www.healthyliving.gov.uk/howhealthy

<18	underweight
<25	normal
25-30	overweight
>27	associated with high blood pressure
30-35	obese
>35	morbidly obese

Waist Measurement

This method can also be used as an approximate guide to assess if you are overweight. These figures are a general indicator of a higher risk of health problems.

	Waist Measurement	Category
Men	37-40 inches 92.5-100cms	overweight
	>40 inches >100cms	obese
Women	32- 35 inches 80-87.5 cms	overweight
	>35 inches >87.5 cms	obese

What Is The Best Way Of Losing Weight?

We gain weight when we take in more calories from food than we use up. (Calories are a measure of energy.) When this is balanced our weight remains stable. So to lose weight we have to eat fewer calories and use up more energy by being more physically active. To gain weight we have to eat more calories.

Reduce fat in your diet and avoid sugary foods like biscuits, cakes, soft drinks and confectionery as these are extra calories that do not keep away hunger or provide nutrients.

How Quickly Should I Lose Weight?

The most effective way to lose weight is slowly. You should expect to lose 2lb—1kg approximately—in the first week and 1lb each week after that. If you lose weight too quickly you will be far more likely to put weight back on again. You are also more likely to be successful if you lose weight with other people e.g. by joining a slimming club. You can attend weekly classes or gain support on-line.

Back to top