Use this handy BMI calculator to get the low down on whether or not your need to lose weight.

The BMI calculation uses your weight in kilograms or pounds, divided by the square of your heigh in centimetres or inches. But don't worry about the maths, what you're interested in is the figure that pops up when you put your vital statistics into the this neat little gizmo below.






What does the BMI scale mean?

Got your result? This chart shows what it means. These figures come from the World Health Organisation.

* Under 18.4 - you are underweight for your height.

* 18.5 to 24.9 - well done, you are the ideal weight for your height.

* 25 to 29.9 - oops, you're tipping the scale too much, and are overweight for your height.

* 30 to 39.9 - this reading means that you are classed as obese.

* over 40 - you are in the danger zone of obesity.

BMI over 25?

A body mass index of 25+ is a wake-up call. Make some changes to your diet, and start eating healthily to lose weight.

If your BMI is 30+ you are at greater risk of some cancers, heart disease and diabetes type 2. See your doctor for weight-loss advice, make changes to your diet and check out the groundrules for eating healthy and exercise.

Eating healthy and exercise go hand in hand. Make regular exercise a part of your life, by finding out which forms of exercise you really enjoy, then building one or more into your life, gradually. Aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise every day.

Eating healthy and exercise: Walking

Walking is great, because it's easy to fit into your day. Leave the car behind sometimes. Get off the bus a stop or two early. Walk to the store, don't drive - but make it brisk enough so that you feel slightly breathless - ambling along won't cut it. If you can cover 2 miles a day, you'll be doing great. Or get a pedometer and keep it strapped on. You're aiming for 10,000 steps, which should include a burst of 4-6000 fast steps. Rethink your schedule to include this.

Healthy eating tip Eat an oat-based cereal for breakfast, before you walk, to give you slow-burning energy. Not sure how much weight you need to lose? Use the BMI Calculator to find out.

Technorati: Healthy Eating plans, walking, exercise