Pharmacies’ free BMI and waist checks

Pharmacies nationwide have signed up to help members of the public know their numbers, as part of RTÉ’s Operation Transformation campaign. On this Saturday, pharmacies will provide free BMI and waist measurements from 10am-12 noon.

Kathy Maher, president of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), said, “It is important that people have a healthy BMI and a healthy waist measurement. Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals and are ideally placed to play a central role in public health. Pharmacists will carry out these measures on Saturday to help the public know their numbers, as having a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.”

Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated using the person’s height and weight. It is recommended that women have a maximum waist measurement of 32 inches (80cms) and men have a maximum measurement of 37 inches (94cms).

Log onto www.rte.ie/ot/events/know-your-numbers to find your nearest participating pharmacy or join the Operation Transformation team at one of seven pop-up measurement centres at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick or Galway Shopping Centre.