Cumbria County Council launches new FREE weight management programme

Thousands of adults will benefit from a new weight management programme launched across Cumbria to help them achieve a healthy weight and develop healthier habits.

Launched this week, the Oviva Weight Management Programme will offer free support to adults in the county who are overweight.

Once people have signed up, they will be matched with their own personal health coach who will provide 1-to-1 support during the 12-week programme to help them achieve their goals.

The programme can help people to:

Lose weight
Improve the quality of their diet
Learn the importance of having healthy balanced meals
Build habits to lead a healthier life
Obesity is one of the biggest long-term health challenges faced in England. Around two-thirds (63%) of adults are above a healthy weight, and of these, half are living with obesity. Obesity increases the risk of a range of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Obesity can also have an impact on mental health.

Director of Public Health at Cumbria County Council, Colin Cox, said: “We know that losing weight can be difficult for people. Making sure the right support is available means we can help people make positive changes to their health and wellbeing.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important it is for us all to look after our health and maintain a healthy weight. Many people will be looking to make positive changes for the new year.

“This new 12-week programme is free to access for any adults who meet the eligibility criteria. We hope that it will bring about significant health benefits for people across Cumbria.

People can take part in the programme from the comfort of their own home. They will receive personalised support from their health coach via phone or app appointments, at a time that suits them.

Through the Oviva app, people will be able to track their food and activity, message the Oviva community or health coach and access a variety of learning resources such as videos, podcasts, recipes, and quizzes, all produced by the Oviva specialist dieticians and psychologists.

To be eligible for the Oviva Weight Management Programme, adults need to have a BMI of 25 or over (or a BMI of 23 or over if they are of black African, African-Caribbean or Asian descent).

Sign up for the free Oviva Weight Management Programme today. You can fill out the self-referral form linked here and the Oviva team will get in touch. Alternatively, you can contact your GP practice to be referred.