Overweight in adults

Overweight means having more body fat than may be desirable for health. Weight alone does not tell the whole story: waist circumference, blood pressure, blood tests, fitness, sleep, medicines and personal goals together determine suitable lifestyle support.

• Overweight itself sometimes causes no symptoms and is identified at a check-up.
• Becoming breathless sooner, lower fitness or difficulty with prolonged walking and stairs.
• Choose one or two concrete habits, such as water instead of sugary drinks and a regular daily walk.
• Eat regularly, take time for meals and make vegetables, pulses, wholegrains and protein-rich foods accessible.
• Make an appointment if you want your health risks assessed or support with lasting lifestyle changes.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.