OVERWEIGHT people in Hampshire are invited to take part in a free 12-week weight management programme funded by the council.

Those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above can benefit from free professional support either in-person, through regular online meetings, or via a mobile app.

Shapeup4Life Hampshire has been funded by Hampshire County Council and combines exercise and food choices to make positive lifestyle changes rather than a prescriptive diet.

The new service forms a key part of the Hampshire Healthy Weight Strategy 2022 to 2026, which aims to change current trends in the prevalence of excess weight and obesity.

The strategy was endorsed by the county council’s health and wellbeing board on December 9.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, the council’s executive lead member for adult services and public health, said: “Nearly two thirds of Hampshire adults, a third of Year 6 children, and a quarter of children in reception are overweight or obese. This has a significant impact on the long-term health and wellbeing of local people, therefore tackling this is one of county council’s major public health priorities.

“We know that supported weight-loss programmes of this type deliver results, so our partnership with Shapeup4Life is a great opportunity for busy people to take small steps to a healthier future in a supportive environment. Whether you enjoy face to face groups, a convenient app or getting together virtually from your own home, all our participants will receive personalised support to reach and maintain a healthy weight loss.

“This Hampshire weight management service is backed by the skills and knowledge of a host of experts in nutrition, psychology and physical activity. This service is about making a lifestyle change rather than a diet, participants will be armed with helpful information to support and inspire you every day.”

The county council has teamed up with the service to offer a free 12-week programme to adults aged over 18 with a BMI of 30+ or people with a BMI 28+ who have a diagnosed long-term health condition or are from an ethnic minority group.

The offer applies to anyone living in the Hampshire County Council district, excluding Southampton and Portsmouth.

To find out more, check your BMI and to self-refer, go to www.shapeup4lifehampshire.co.uk