If you are now satisfied that losing some pounds is a good idea, the next helpful step is to be clear about why you actually want to lose weight.

You will have your own reasons, but it may also be helpful to remember that overweight and obesity is linked to a range of health problems such as:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Breathlessness and sleep apnoea (snoring/disturbed sleep)
• Some cancers
• Fertility problems
• Joint and back pain
• Low mood and self esteem
• Osteoarthritis

In fact, it is estimated that each year, 30,000 people have their lives shortened by an average of 9 years die because of health problems linked to their weight.

For more information, and a short work-sheet, download the 'So, this is serious' PDF.