WHAT THE TESTS SHOW

BMI (body mass index): A ratio of height to weight. Between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal, 25 to 30 is overweight and over 30 is obese. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and other problems.

Body fat percentage: The amount of the body comprised of fat, measured using hospital-grade medical scales. Men should score from 16 per cent to 21 per cent, and women between 22 and 31 per cent.

Cholesterol: A fatty substance vital for the normal functioning of the body. An excessively high level is a risk factor for heart disease and strokes. The reading should be below five.

Blood pressure: The force of blood against the walls of arteries. The higher it is, the more strain on the heart and the higher the risk of heart attack, strokes and kidney disease. The normal range is between 90/60 and 140/90.

Pulse rate: A resting heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute is linked to heart conditions.

Waist measurement: Men should be under 37in and women under 31.5in. A larger waist is linked to the development of heart disease and diabetes. Joanna Hall’s Walkactive Programme: The Simple Yet Revolutionary Way To Transform Your Body, For Life is published by Piatkus at €20.50. A starter pack, which includes the book, DVD, a 25minute audio coaching session download and pedometer, is available from joanna

hall.com at a special offer price of €35.