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Healthy weight and lifestyle programmes

You can get free support to make healthier choices around food, physical activity, sleep, and wellbeing. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can refer yourself to one of the programmes.
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Person using phone and has healthy food in front of them

Who this service is for

 

Our service is for anyone who would like help with managing their weight, eating habits, or overall wellbeing. We understand that everyone's journey is different, so we offer both standard and tailored programmes to give you the support that's right for you.

 

Eligibility is different for each service. Please see the FAQs below to check whether this support might be right for you.

 

Our programmes

 

The healthy weight and lifestyle programme for adults is a 12-week course that you use through an app. It is self-guided, so you can work through it in your own time. New content is released each week as you progress on topics that include healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and wellbeing.  

 

Our tailored service approach offers more individual support. Depending on the programme, support may be online, by phone, or face-to-face with a qualified nutritionist. Topics also include healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, and wellbeing.

 

We don't provide weight loss medications. Please see the FAQs below for more information about what is not included. 

FAQs

Have a question about the service?

All our services are free of charge. 

You can use this service if you:

  • are aged 18 or over
  • live, work or are registered with a GP in Leicestershire or Rutland
  • have access to the internet on a smartphone, tablet or computer have a body mass Index (BMI) of 25 or above, or 23 or above if you’re from an ethnic minority background 

    Calculate your body mass index (BMI) on the NHS Website

The service may not be right for you at this time if you:

  • have a serious health condition that is not well controlled
  • have had a heart attack, stroke or another heart-related complication in the last 6 months
  • have blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg when resting
  • have noticed unexpected weight loss recently
  • currently have, or have had within the last 6 months, an eating disorder such as binge eating disorder, bulimia or anorexia
  • are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or have had a baby within the last 12 months
  • are an adult with a learning disability 

You can use this service if you’re planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or have had a baby in the last 12 months.  

 

You must also:

  • live, work or are registered with a GP in Leicestershire
  • have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27.5 or above if you’re from an ethnic minority background 
     

Calculate your body mass index (BMI) on the NHS Website

You can use this service if you’re an adult with a learning disability

 

You must also:

  • live, work or are registered with a GP in Leicestershire  
  • have a BMI of 25 or above, or 23 or above if you’re from an ethnic minority background 


Calculate your body mass index (BMI) on the NHS Website

You can use this service if you’re a family with a child aged 4 to 17 years old and would like help with healthy weight and lifestyle choices for your child and family.

You must also live, work or be registered with a GP in Leicestershire or Rutland

 

This programme is being redesigned and is currently paused. Register your interest using the referral form and we'll contact you with updates. 

Depending on the service, topics can include:

  • balanced eating, food groups and portion sizes
  • regular meals and snacks
  • food labels
  • fats and sugars
  • cooking, shopping and meal planning
  • healthier choices when eating out or having takeaways, including alcohol where relevant
  • working towards a healthy weight in a way that feels right for you
  • activity, sleep and wellbeing

 

For pregnancy support, this can also include:

  • being active safely during pregnancy
  • managing pregnancy symptoms, such as feeling sick
  • breastfeeding and looking after yourself after your baby is born 

The service focuses on healthy eating, lifestyle changes, and support to build healthier habits. It does not provide:

 

  • weight loss medications / injections
  • referrals for free or subsidised gym memberships
  • memberships to Slimming World, Weight Watchers or other commercial weight management programmes

 

We do not work with commercial weight management programmes. If you would like to join one, you’ll need to contact the provider directly. 

For the healthy weight and lifestyle programme for adults, if you meet the eligibility criteria, and complete the referral form, you’ll receive access to the app so you can start the 12-week programme.

 

For a tailored service, a member of the Weight Management Service will get in touch to discuss your needs, answer any questions, and explain the next steps. 

  • Healthy weight and lifestyle programme for adults: you can repeat it whenever is helpful.
  • Tailored programme: if you completed the programme and still need further support, you can consider joining again 6 months after your last appointment. If you were unable to complete the programme, contact us and we’ll review your situation.