This is an article for those who made up their minds to lose weight. Be careful! Sometimes we can't appreciate our figure objectively. The Ashwell's chart helps to determine the need of losing and gaining weight and the possible risk for your health.
Brown 'Take care' areaThis means you will probably have a tall thin 'chilli' type of shape. This isn't desirable for good health so you need to take care. You may need to gain weight.
Green 'OK' areaThis means you will probably have a healthy 'pear' shape, which is a healthy shape. With this type of body shape, any excess fat is stored under the skin around the bottom, hips and thighs, which is less harmful to health than having an apple shape.
Amber 'Take care' areaThis means you will probably have a 'pear-apple' shape, which means you should take care. Make sure you don't put on any more weight, especially if your measurements fall towards the upper end of the area.
Red 'Action' areaThis means you will probably have an 'apple' shape. With this body shape excess fat is stored deep below the skin in the stomach area, which will increase your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, raised blood pressure, Type II diabetes and some types of cancer. Your health is likely to be at risk so speak to your GP about losing weight.
Source: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/
