Self-referrals available for obesity scheme

A self-referral weight management service for obese adults in Wolverhampton has been launched by the city council.

Live Well Wolverhampton is providing free information and support to people trying to lose weight.

Figures show that about a quarter of adults in England live with obesity with the rate even higher in Wolverhampton, councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said.

People could already be referred to the service by a healthcare professional, but can now also refer themselves directly.

It is available for anyone in Wolverhampton aged 18 or over and with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or 27.5 and above for those of Black African, African Caribbean and Asian origin, the council said.

For most adults, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is overweight, with over 30 classed as obese.

Users will get access to face-to-face group weight management sessions, and a tailored digital programme is available via an app.

"This matters because obesity increases the risk of a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, which are major causes of premature mortality in Wolverhampton," Ahmed said.

"It can also contribute to type 2 diabetes and stroke, affect quality of life and self-esteem, and contribute to mental health challenges, such as depression. Maintaining a healthy weight therefore helps reduce these risks."

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