In Sandwell, West Bromwich, the Primary Care Trust have identified a need for a weight management scheme that takes into consideration the needs of the local people.
Slimwell, a 20-week referral programme that runs throughout the whole year can be accessed at several different locations across the Sandwell area and at various times across the week.
With local needs at the heart of the programme, it has been set up to help encourage participants to make long term changes to their lifestyle to enable steady, maintainable weight loss.
Measurements of BMI (body mass index), blood pressure and weight are recorded to show the progress participants are making as well as the positive impact the changes are having on their health.
Through a combination of low impact exercise and group discussions members are able to work together and encourage each other to make simple changes, such as smaller portion sizes and food alternatives.