Weight management programmes

It’s much easier to stick with weight management and physical activity plan when you have support.

By joining a support group, whether in-person or online, you can share tips on diet and physical activity, find physical activity buddies and discuss your struggles and successes. Support groups can also help enhance your mental health as you face any challenges of your new healthy lifestyle.

Traditionally support groups meet weekly, face to face. Now there are many great online support services and resources too, to help you with your weight management journey.

Your healthcare providers will be able to provide local weight management programmes with input on healthy eating, behaviour changes and physical activity – you can sometimes self-refer to these or your healthcare professional can let you know how you can access them. Some of these may be available on the NHS or they could be commercial services that you pay for.

Face-to-face

Having others to talk to who are facing the same challenges as you are key to long-term success. Together, you can make healthy choices and overcome barriers that made managing your weight difficult previously. In-person support groups can offer companionship too.

If you’d like to attend a weight management group in person, find out what groups are available in your area by clicking here.

Digital

There are plenty of online support forums available. Most forums offer a safe place for members to share stories, diet and exercise plans, and to seek motivation.

Keep in mind, though, that many of the people on these forums aren’t medical professionals and may offer you inaccurate advice. Always check with a doctor before starting a new weight management plan or physical activity program.

Weight management apps are also incredibly useful. They can help you track your calorie intake and physical activity levels. Many of them also offer support in the form of social media connections and chat rooms.

Diabetes UK has some great resources to help you with your weight management journey including information on eating a healthy diet, portion control and some healthy recipes to try out.

There are many different weight management programmes and digital tools out there and it’s about finding one that works for you and adopting these changes as part of your everyday life. Has there been something that’s worked for you? We’d love to hear about it so share your experiences in the comments box below!