Whether online or in person as part of a community group, a free weight management programme is being offered to Wiltshire residents to provide expert advice to help people reach their healthy weight goals.
The ShapeUp4Life programme, commissioned by Wiltshire Council, offers community-based sessions which run in groups of 12–15 people during the day, evening and weekends. The interactive, practical and discussion-based courses are run in community settings across the county.
Each one and a half hour weekly session includes a 45-minute nutrition workshop covering topics such as snacking, portion sizes, fats and sugar. This is followed by 45 minutes of light physical activity. The programme focuses on developing healthier behaviours, increasing activity levels and making informed choices to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Individuals have their weight taken each week and are encouraged to work towards a five percent weight-loss goal at week 12; with follow up sessions at six and 12 months.
The online service is accessible anytime, anywhere. It builds upon ShapeUp4Life’s extensive knowledge and successes from years of delivering face-to-face weight management programmes at the heart of the community. The user-friendly platform supports people to make changes to their lifestyle and behaviours to not only lose weight, but keep it off long term.
Jerry Wickham, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health said, “Life is busy for a lot of people who have to juggle work, childcare and other commitments, so the online option is ideal for those who don’t want to miss out on the fantastic support available.
“However the support is accessed, people will have a great chance of making positive changes which will provide long-term health benefits.”
One client who took part in the course said, “When I heard, via a leaflet, of ShapeUp4Life, I decided to have one last go, determined not to become, literally, a heavy burden to my family. I am so glad I did. At the end of the 12-week course I have lost well over a stone and made friends along the way, for the numbers taking part are usually much smaller, leading to a spirit of camaraderie and making discussions much easier – there was a lot of laughter.
“The first part of the meeting is taken up with providing information and there is then 40 minutes of achievable exercise – even for me. ShapeUp4Life has given me hope that I really can lose the weight which has weighed me down for so many years. I am so glad I read that leaflet.”
If people would like more information about the ShapeUp4Life programme they should call 0800 246 5877 or email shapeup4life.wiltshire@nhs.net. More information can also be found at
www.solutions4health.co.uk/ourservices/shapeup4life/
