HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I TAKE?

It is difficult to lose weight without increasing your level of physical activity, even if only slightly. Heavy individuals may find it difficult to exercise initially, but this will become easier as weight is lost.

Physical activity burns off excess calories and boosts your metabolic rate as well as improving the fitness of your heart and lungs. Ideally, you should take physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five days per week.

Once you are fit, aim to do more. Exercise briskly enough to work up a light sweat, make yourself slightly breathless and put your pulse above 120 beats per minute.

While brisk walking, cycling and swimming are excellent choices, dancing, vigorous housework and gardening are all beneficial too.