More than 1,000 free places on weight loss programmes available for Southampton residents
Free 12-week weight loss programmes are now available for adults living in Southampton
For anyone whose new years resolution was to kickstart their health in 2022, help is at hand, with over 1,000 free places on weight loss programmes up for grabs for Southampton residents, from partners the Saints Foundation (Saints Goal), Slimming World, ShapeUp4Life, and the Community Wellbeing Team, all funded by Southampton City Council.
These 12-week programmes include support with eating well, getting more active, and general health, with different options available to suit you – whether that’s in-person or remote, 1 to 1 or in groups. Sign up for free Southampton City Council funded places will close on 31 March 2022.
Around 3 in 5 (59.3%) adults in Southampton are at an increased risk of health conditions and becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 due to carrying excess weight. The good news is that even losing a small amount of weight can make a difference, and making small changes to your everyday life can not only help you lose weight but feel healthier too.
Chris’s story
Chris attended Saints Foundation’s Saints Goal programme post-lockdown. Like many, he’d put on weight during the pandemic but committed to changing his lifestyle when he got started, with the results showing his determination. In just three months, he lost 4% of his body fat, and shaved 8cm off his waistline.
Chris and his former groupmates formed a close bond over the 12 weeks and still meet once a week to stay active by playing football. Chris said, “I’m going to miss the camaraderie of being around the guys and the team of fantastic instructors”.
Councillor Ivan White, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Southampton City Council, said:
“We appreciate that sometimes it can be hard to make healthy changes on your own, or you may not even know where to start. By getting support from one of our local partners it could really help you to get on the right path to health and help you to stay on track.” For more information, tips and to sign up visit our Eat Well and Lose Weight page. Register before 31 March 2022.
Services are for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, or lower if you are Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority backgrounds as you can be at more risk of illness from being a higher weight. You can check your BMI online. For more free resources, like the free NHS Better Health Weight Loss App, can be found on the NHS website.
