Hampshire residents seeking help to lose weight can now access face-to-face virtual coaching, online workshops and on-demand fitness classes, all available in your own home via Zoom.
This forms part of a free 12-week programme funded by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Weight Watchers (WW), to provide support to those who most need it to achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Councillor Judith Grajewski, Executive Member for Public Health at Hampshire County Council, said, “We are keen that nobody should lose out on weight loss support as restrictions continue and with many of us still staying at home. The introduction of tailored online services, where you can also meet other like-minded people, will make it easier to find the right help. Being overweight or obese can put people at risk of ill health so we are delighted that this expert support is now available, at convenient and flexible times to help keep people motivated.”
She added, “Sleeping better, reducing aches and pains, lowering cholesterol and cutting the risk of serious illness such as heart disease, cancers and diabetes are just some of the benefits of the programme for anyone who is overweight. This support, available now, will make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing and help them to live healthier lives for longer.”
At WW in Hampshire, online group and one-to-one meetings via Zoom now replace the sessions that have traditionally taken place in community halls. Members can choose a coach from the many around the UK to gain help with goal setting and maintaining progress. Recognising the link between healthy eating, physical activity and mental health, the programme also includes free access to a mental wellbeing app, unlimited workshops, healthy recipes and online physical activity classes.
To qualify for the free County Council funded virtual coaching, online workshops and digital app, Hampshire residents need to be:
Over 18 years of age
A body mass index (BMI) of 30+ or a BMI 28+ if you have a long-term health condition.
In Hampshire it is estimated that two-thirds of the population have excess weight and nearly one fifth are not active enough for good health. Further, living with excess weight puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19, with risk growing substantially as body mass index (BMI) increases. The pandemic has shown the impact that living with obesity can have on people’s health and it is more important than ever to help people to move towards a healthier weight.
