It is widely recognised that maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or control disease (link). The prospect of losing weight can make some people feel anxious, but changes do not have to be drastic to be beneficial. Research has shown that those suffering from obesity have improvements in metabolic function with just a 5% weight loss (link).
If you think you need to lose weight then setting realistic targets is important. Body Mass Indicator calculators (link) are useful in determining if you are overweight or obese.
Diet and exercise are considered the safest and most effective ways of losing weight and maintaining it. It’s not just simply about losing pounds but about the quality of your body (weight of muscle compared to weight of fat per volume). You will notice improvements such as how you feel and ease of movement.
Remember, mental and emotional well-being will also contribute to reaching a healthy weight.