Downloadthe NHS weight loss guide our free12-weekdiet and exercise plan.
The plan, which hasbeen downloaded more than4 million times,is designed tohelp you lose weight safely andkeep it off.
The plan is designed to help you lose weight at a safe rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance.
For most men, thismeans sticking to acalorie limit of no more than 1,900kcal a day, and 1,400kcal for most women.
If you find it hard sticking to the calorie limit, use our BMI calculator to getyour ownpersonal weight losscalorie allowance.
If you go over your limit one day, don't worry: it simply means you'll have to reduce your calorie intake on the following days.
For example, if you're a woman and you have 1,700kcal on Tuesday, that's 300kcal more than your daily calorie allowance of 1,400kcal.
To stay on track, you'd need to cut out an extra 300kcal from your remaining calorie intake over the rest of the week.
The calorie allowance is based on NICEguidance, which states that to lose weight, the average person should reduce their daily calorie intake by 600kcal.
The guide is delivered through 12 weekly information packs full of diet, healthy eating and physical activity advice, including weekly challenges.
Each informationguidecontains a food and activity chart (view sample PDF, 545kb) to help you record your calories, exercise and weight loss so you can see how well you're doing at a glance.
Printthe chart outand stick it somewhereyou can see it, such as the fridge or a kitchen cupboard, and update it at the end of each day.
In addition to a healthier diet, regular physical activity is an important component of your weight loss journey.
Not only will it help you burn extra calories, but it will also keep you motivatedand improve your general health and wellbeing.
As you work through the weeks, you'llget lots ofideas and structured programmes to help you get active, fromeasy ways togradually build activity into your day,tothe popular Couch to 5K,5K+and Strength and Flexpodcasts.
The links below provide the tools and knowledge you'll need from day one on the plan. Before you download Week 1, it's worth taking a look so you can:
This guide is intended for use by healthy adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 and over. Find out if you need to lose weight using the BMI healthy weight calculator.
It is not suitable for children and young people or pregnant women. If you have a medical condition, you should consult your GP before starting.
It's a good idea to seek the advice of a health professional before starting on any weight loss programme.
The NHS Choices weight lossguide has been developed under the supervision and advice of specialist dietitians from the British Dietetic Association, which represents registered dietitians in the UK. Thanks to dietitians at DOM UK (Dietitians in Obesity Management), a specialist group of the British Dietetic Association.
Page last reviewed: 05/12/2016Next review due: 05/12/2019
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Start the NHS weight loss plan - NHS
