Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer are just a few of the serious conditions that can be prevented by losing excess weight.
If you are overweight or living with obesity, even losing a few pounds can make a significant difference to your health. A healthy diet should be matched with taking more physical exercise. Read our advice on how to increase your physical activity.
The NHS Better Health website, has lots of advice on how to stay healthy. There are details on how to download the free NHS apps to help you identify food swaps and start healthier life habits.
Get support in Hertfordshire
If you live in Hertfordshire, you may be eligible for free weight management support. It’s a 12-week programme led by Oviva, in partnership with Slimming World. There’s more information about the programme on the Hertfordshire County Council website. There are also details of other local weight management support groups in Hertfordshire.
Healthy Hubs also provide free health and wellbeing support, including weight management help. Find out more about Healthy Hubs in Hertfordshire.
Get support in west Essex
If you live in west Essex, you may be eligible for the free My Weight Matters programme for adults aged 18 or over and registered with a GP surgery in Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock).
The 12-week programme placing a focus on healthy eating, portion management, and keeping active. Steps are introduced one week at a time to empower you to take control, help you lose weight and keep it off. Find out more and how to sign-up on the Essex Wellbeing Service website.
In addition to details about the My Weight Matters programme, Essex Wellbeing Service has lots of other programmes and advice to help you lose and maintain weight.