If your BMI or your waist measurement is above the healthy range 18.5-25 you're at increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, especially heart disease and diabetes. You're also more likely to suffer from joint problems and back pain, and you may find you become breathless and may have difficulty sleeping.

The more weight you gain, the more severe these problems may become. The good news is that losing weight will alleviate many of these problems.