Men's Health

How do YOU measure up?

Did you know that men live four years less than women on average in Islington, are at much greater risk of getting heart disease, and more likely to be overweight than women?

It’s important that men know how to take care of their health, and know where to access services.

Let’s talk belly fat

Men often store fat around their middle, where it is associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. So remember, your shape matters as much as your weight.

Are you at risk? Find out now- grab a tape measure and follow the instructions below.

 

  1. find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips.
  2. wrap a tape measure around your waist, halfway between these points.
  3. breathe out naturally before taking the measurement.

What your waist measurement means

  • For white men a measurement of over 37 inches indicates increased risk
  • For South Asian, Black African/Caribbean men a measurement of over 35.5 inches indicates increased risk.

What to do if you have measured your waist and you are at risk

Visit the help sections below to find out about services and for tips that can help you reduce your waist.

  • Lose weight with Rebalance

    • Lose weight with Rebalance

      Rebalance is a free 12-week programme that aims to help you lose weight, grow in confidence and take control of your lifestyle.

      It includes a programme of indoor and outdoor group exercise classes and one-to-one advice about your diet and nutrition. It’s held at a range of local leisure and community centres across Camden and Islington.

      You will also be eligible for more than 50% off gym membership at any GLL leisure centre in Camden or Islington once you have completed the programme.

      See if you are eligible

  • Book yourself a health MOT

    • Book yourself a health MOT

      The NHS Health Check is your chance to get a free midlife MOT.

      NHS Health Checks are offered once every five years to people aged between 40 to 74 to assess heart health and the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and dementia.

      ToHealth provide NHS Health Checks across a range of community venues in the borough. You may also be able to get a NHS Health Check at your GP.

      Contact ToHealth to book your appointment at a location near you.

       020 3282 7886
       nhshealthcheck.com/islington

  • Cut down the booze

    • Cut down the booze

      Like to unwind with a glass of something in the evening? If you’re not careful it’s easy for the occasional glass in the evening to quickly become 2 or 3 glasses most days.

      Men are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. This is the same as 6 pints of average strength beer a week. Regularly drinking more than this can increase the risk to your health.

      It’s important to know how much you are drinking and the easy ways you can cut back.

       

      Want to cut down your alcohol, but not sure how?

      Worried that you might be drinking too much? Take the two minute Alcohol Test to work out how risky your drinking is, access personalised advice online and find out where you can get support locally.

      Top tips for cutting down on booze

      • Keep track of the alcohol you are drinking
      • Set clear goals, don’t vaguely say you want to drink less, set a gaol for yourself.
      • Make a list of reasons why you are cutting back.
      • Know your triggers, and figure out how to beat them.
      • Reduce the strength of what you are drinking.
      • Be careful about drinking at home.
  • Ditch the junk food

    • Ditch the junk food

      What causes belly fat?

      Calories and the way men store fat around their middle are responsible for belly fat in men. Alcohol and sugary drinks can often be the main culprits for increasing your waist line. Alcohol and sugar contain lots of calories and are often consumed when you are not hungry, and so your body doesn’t require it.

      So what should I eat?

      The Eatwell plate is really useful to help us figure out how much of foods we should be eating. And remember the less processed the food is, the better.

      Read your labels

      Enjoy your food, but keep your diet balanced. For more information on food labels please visit the NHS website.

      The One You Easy Meals app makes things simple for you, providing great tips and advice to help you cook healthy and tasty meals.