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
Specialist weight management services
These services provide 12 months of intensive support delivered by a team of specialists, including dieticians, physical activity specialists and psychologists. Each service has a range of ways to access which the service will discuss with you. In Hertfordshire, this specialist service is provided by TBC Healthcare. The programme is called My Healthy Weight Plus +. You can self-refer here.
Other support
Healthy Hubs also provide free health and wellbeing support, including weight management help. Find out more about Healthy Hubs in Hertfordshire.
Hertfordshire residents living with obesity can join the 12 week Shape Up Programme delivered by Watford Football Club. Originally just for men, there are now some sessions for women too. For more details, please see their website or email [email protected] .
Get support in west Essex
In West Essex, the specialist weight management service is provided by Morelife. You can check the eligibility criteria here. If you are eligible and would like to be referred, please talk to your GP practice.
These specialist services can also help prepare and refer you for possible bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), if that is the most appropriate option for you.
Essex Wellbeing Service has lots of other programmes and advice to help you lose and maintain weight.