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Free 12-week programmes are on offer which include dietary advice, physical activity guidance and behaviour change support to help local people start and maintain healthier habits.
The in-person sessions are available in Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare for people living in North Somerset who are committed to losing weight, have a body mass index (BMI) equal to 25 or more (adjusted to a BMI of 23 or more in adults of Black African, African-Caribbean and Asian origin / or those with comorbidities).
The NHS BMI calculator can be used to check BMI.
Programmes starting or available from September 2023 include:
- Choose 2 Lose – offers 12 weeks of group support to improve healthy habits with a focus on healthy eating and exercise. The programme is designed to give people the tools they need to make small but sustainable changes that can be maintained longterm, supporting people to lose weight and maintain their weight loss.
Previous participants have said: “The 12 week course has, for me, been an inspiring experience and has given me the motivation to lose weight and become much fitter through attending classes and working out in the gym. Vicky and Holly have been great in their encouragement and sound advice and have helped me to stay motivated and I will miss meeting everyone on a Friday morning but will continue to attend classes. Thanks for everything.”
This programme is available at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre in Nailsea and Hutton Moor Leisure Centre in Weston-super-Mare. For more information contact Kylie Taylor (email Kylie.taylor@legacyleisure.org.uk or call 01934 425900).
- Fit Robins – a 12-week wellness and weight management programme available at Portishead Youth Centre in Portishead. Embark on a transformative journey to being healthier and happier with Fit Robins results-driven weight loss program, designed to empower people through providing expert guidance, personalised support, and the tools needed to achieve wellness goals.
Previous participants have said: “One of the aspects I loved most was the sense of community. Connecting with others who were on the same journey created a sense of camaraderie and accountability that kept me motivated. The weekly check-ins and progress tracking were also key to my success. The exercises we did every week were great fun and has changed my attitude to fitness.”
For more information contact Daisy-May England (email daisy.england@bcfc.oc.uk or call 07423 418 922).
- Postnatal Health Exercise Nutrition – a healthy lifestyles course for mums who have given birth in the last year. An opportunity to meet other mums and babies are welcome. Delivered at Vision North Somerset in Weston-super-Mare.
Previous participants have said: “Great experience, lost weight and have made healthier choices throughout the course that I will continue. Met other mums and exercise more”, “The group has been amazing, it’s been really nice to meet the other people in similar situations with no judgement either.”
To find out more or to book a space on the next course visit https://www.betterhealthns.co.uk/information/hen-postnatal, email healthylifestyles@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01934 426 349.
North Somerset Council’s Health Improvement Service within the Public Health and Regulatory Services Directorate have set up these weight loss programmes in partnership with local providers Legacy Leisure and Bristol City Football Club.
- Healthy Lifestyles Advisors – North Somerset Council also provides a free Healthy Lifestyles Advisor service for residents, offering one-to-one support to lose weight, eat well and get active. In person sessions are available in Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare. Previous participants have said: “The advice I got has really helped me. Alexis also really goes above and beyond to be there for you, to care and to believe in me. Each week building on the new habits I learnt the week before. I’ve learnt a routine that has helped me fit in working out into my life. I’ve learnt how to eat without distraction and how much that caused issues with my hunger pangs. I’ve learnt how to cook batch meals, and do so every week. I’ve learnt how to leave food and to slow down. I’ve stopped judging myself as much and do all of this for an enjoyment of food, as well as my health. Food wasn’t the enemy I always thought it was.”
For further information about support from the Healthy Lifestyles Advisors, the eligibility criteria and other weight management support available to residents visit www.betterhealthns.co.uk/lose-weight, email healthylifestyles@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01934 426349.