“Research shows that reaching and keeping to a healthy weight can cut your risk because it helps prevent and manage conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes that put you at greater risk of coronary heart disease,” says the charity.
It advises that if you are planning on losing weight, “steadily and gradually is the safest way”.
The NHS states: “If you’re overweight, changes to your diet and physical activity levels are the first step to helping you lose weight.
“Your GP or practice nurse can help you assess your current diet and levels of physical activity, and set personal goals for change.”