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Several new programmes have been launched by North Somerset Council’s Public Health team working in partnership with local partners.
Each is free for 12-weeks and includes dietary advice, physical activity guidance and support to help people start and maintain healthier habits. To be eligible for the free programmes people must live in North Somerset and be classified as above a healthy weight.
Cllr Mike Bell, North Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Health, said:” Here in North Somerset 60.5% of adults are classed as overweight or obese, which is similar to the national average.
“Having a healthy body weight can reduce your risk of a number of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
“I’m really pleased that our healthy lifestyles team has worked with local partners to make it easier for residents to manage their weight. A number of new local weight loss programmes are now available, helping tackle health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing in North Somerset.
The programmes include:
- ‘Choose 2 lose’: a dedicated weight loss for men, held at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre in Weston. To join contact kylie.taylor@legacyleisure.org.uk or call 01934 425 900
- Slimming World: eligible North Somerset residents can ask their GP to refer them to their local Slimming World group with the cost covered for the first 12 weeks
- Postnatal Health Exercise Nutrition (HEN): a healthy lifestyle course for mums who have given birth in the last year. To find out more or to book a space on the next course, contact kerry.odonnell1@nhs.net or call 01934 533 300
The council’s Healthy Lifestyles Service can help residents lose weight, eat well and improve their fitness over a 12-week period. There are also NHS weight management plans which are free to access:
- NHS Digital Weight Management Programme: for people aged 18 or over with a body mass index greater than 30 and who also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. People can speak to their GP practice or local pharmacist to find out more
- NHS Weight Loss Plan: a free 12-week plan which can help people start heathier eating habits, be more active, and start losing weight. It can be downloaded from the NHS website
The programmes have been funded by the new adult weight management grant for local authorities from the Department for Health and Social Care.
For more information about any of these weight loss programmes go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/healthyweight.