Aim for a healthy weight – A normal Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 20-25 kg/m²
Am I at increased risk because of my weight?
Although many people with a higher weight are fit and healthy, there are increased risks associated with carrying extra weight. It’s more likely if you have central obesity and are “apple shaped”.
You have an increased risk of suffering a serious complication during or after your operation if you have:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- history of thrombosis
- angina
After an operation, patients with obesity may be more likely to have:
- chest infections
- difficulty breathing
- wound infections
- poor wound healing
This is because the excess weight puts an extra strain on your organs making it harder to function properly.
Increased Anaesthesia Risks
Obesity affects how your body reacts to medications, which increases the risk of complications such as breathing problems and heart disease.
Technical Challenges During Surgery
Obesity makes it more difficult for the surgeon to position the patient, visualise the organs, and perform procedures.
What can I do next?
If you are keen to lose weight, you can speak to your healthcare professional about what support might be available for you locally.
There are also free, online resources available via the links below:
Healthy eating and looking after your weight at
www.nhsinform.scot/waiting-well/support-your-health-and-wellbeing-while-you-wait/healthy-eating-and-looking-after-your-weight
Eat well, your way at Food Standards Scotland
www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/healthy-eating/eat-well-your-way
Lose weight – Better Health at NHS
www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
You should aim to eat three regular meals with a good balance of the food groups – protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Try to avoid adding any extra sugar or salt to your diet.
Eat Well Guide
Use the Eatwell Guide to help you get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food. It shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each food group.
Eat Well Guide
Fruit and vegetables:
Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg per day.
Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates:
Choose whole grain of higher fibre versions, with less added fat, salt and sugar.
Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins:
Eat more beans and pulses, two portions of sustainably sources fish per week, one of which is oily.
Eat less red and processed meat.
Dairy and alternatives:
Choose lower fat and lower sugar options.
Oil & spreads:
Choose unsaturated oils and use in small amounts.
Check the label on packaged foods. Choose foods lower in fat, salt and sugars.
High in fat and high in sugar snacks:
Eat less often and in small amounts.
Drink 6-8 glasses a day:
Water, lower fat milk, sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count.
Limit fruit juice and/or smoothies to a total of 150ml a day.
Calorie intake:
Per day 2000kcal 2500kcal = ALL FOOD + ALL DRINKS
Top Tips
- Eat regular meals, some people prefer smaller more frequent meals.
- Plan your meals to include all the essential foods, cooking fresh meals where possible.
- Eat appropriate portion sizes – using smaller plates might help with this.
- Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
- Choose nutritious foods that are satisfying to you.
- Consider reducing alcohol as this contains a lot of calories
