Weight Management

Your heart and weight management

Australia is one of the most obese nations in the world. Obesity is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While you can't change your genetic background, you can certainly modify your environment to decrease the likelihood that you will become obese. People who have a tendency to carry additional fat around their abdomen area are said to have "abdomenal obesity."

To manage your weight:

• Pay attention to the number of calories that you consume (particularly calories from fat).
• Become more physically active if you want to decrease your risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, at least 3 times a week.
• Look for recipes and meal plans that are low in fat. Search on the internet, or buy a reputable cook book with recipes that have been provided by health experts. You don't have to compromise flavour to improve your diet.

For more information:

• Blood pressure and your heart
• Cigarette smoking and your heart
• Cholesterol and your heart
• Nutrition and your heart
• Exercise and your heart
• The heart and heart disease