What we're hearing about weight management support
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Healthwatch Surrey looked at people's experiences of weight loss services. They talked to people at weight management groups, leisure centres and minoritised ethnic community groups in Surrey Heath, Surrey Downs, East Surrey and North West Surrey. As well as hearing about their experiences they also helped people to work out their BMI (Body Mass Index) and understand its meaning and provide signposting to weight management support. They spoke to 242 people.
Weight management is a lifelong issue for many people, often rooted in poor body image and negative messages about diet and exercise during childhood. Many people have tried numerous forms of weight management support but, whatever they try, often find it hard to sustain their weight management goals in the longer term.
Many people access support privately; they are often unaware of what is offered via the NHS, or don’t believe it will meet their specific needs.
More can be done to educate people about the weight management support which is available to them through the GP and pharmacist and to ensure that this is tailored to meet individual needs.