Frequently asked questions

Setting up and editing goals

To set up a goal, click on 'Set up a New Goal' on your profile page which takes you to the 'Goal Settings' page.

Here you can set up to five goals at any one time by choosing from the drop-down menu and clicking 'Add'. For each goal you can enter your target information, and the date by which you would like to review your progress (which could be your goal target).

Your goals will appear as tabs on your profile page, so that you can monitor them easily, and keep your progress updated.

You can edit or delete goals at any time by going back to the 'Goal Settings' page.

How do I know how many calories I need to consume to lose weight?

If you are trying to lose weight, have a look at Amanda Ursell's basic guide here:

• If you have more than 3st to lose, your daily calorie allowance is 1,500.
• If you have less than 2st to lose, it is 1,400.
• If it is less than 1st, 1,300.

Remember: it is important not to lose more than 2lb a week. To lose 2lb a week, you need to reduce your current daily calorie intake by 1,000. Or you could burn some of those calories through exercise. An hour's walk a day will burn 500 calories, leaving only 500 more to shave from your food intake. However, I do not recommend going below 1,300 per day

What does my BMI mean?

Your BMI is a simple way of measuring if you are a healthy weight. It stands for Body Mass Index, but all you really need to know is that it looks at what a healthy weight range is for your height, and tells you if you are over that range, within that range or below that range.

If your BMI is under 18.5:

Your BMI is below the healthy range for your height, so we would not recommend you register with our site. If you still feel you need to lose weight, we suggest that you ask your GP for further advice.

If your BMI is between 18.5 and 25:

Congratulations! You're in the healthy weight range for your height so you will be able to tone up and maintain your great shape in no time.

If your BMI is between 25 and 30:

You are above the healthy weight range for your height, but the good news is that you will be able to slim down and achieve greater levels of health within a relatively short space of time.

If your BMI is over 30:

You are above the healthy weight range for your height and are already probably aware that you are at risk of health complications. Don't worry, you have made a brilliant first step and we will be here to help you slim down and feel fantastic.

I want more information in order to set up an exercise regime

Keeping fit is very important for your health, and makes you feel great. For advice on how to get started and find an exercise plan which you can stick to go to the following articles:

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/body_and_soul/article3251549.ece

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/traineo/exercise/article3417202.ece

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/traineo/article3126852.ece

What is my recommended daily alcohol intake?

For advice, and to calculate your RDA (recommended daily allowance), read more here:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article1888243.ece

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article1005336.ece

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5092376.ece