Free course launched to help people with healthy weight and better wellbeing

22 Dec 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Residents in the county are being invited to sign up to a new free weight management programme which is being run by Northumberland Health Trainers. 

The programme, supported by Northumberland County Council’s Public Health Team and funded by the government, will be available as an online programme in the New Year with weekly sessions and face to face group programmes planned for the Spring. It is open to adults in Northumberland who are interested in losing weight and getting fitter and healthier. 

Anyone interested in achieving a healthy weight can sign up to the programme which is aimed at people with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30kg/m2. A BMI healthy weight calculator is available at:  https://nland.uk/BMI 

The unique 12-week course called Momenta has been developed by experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and psychology, and is based on the latest scientific evidence. The programme helps participants to start and maintain healthier habits and to introduce realistic lifestyle goals to achieve a healthy weight.  

They will also learn about the key factors that contribute to weight gain and why so many methods of ‘dieting’ fail in the long term. The programme consists of weekly, one-hour sessions delivered virtually or face to face groups. 

Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health in Northumberland County Council, said: “Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and well-being. In addition to lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure, it can also lower the risk of many different cancers.” 

Northumberland County Councillor, Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for adult wellbeing said: “Having a healthy weight brings so many health benefits and this course offers everyone the help and support to achieve this. 

“This free course is a fantastic opportunity to learn about how to adopt healthier habits in order to achieve a healthy weight.” 

The Health Trainer service is part of the Northumberland County Council Public Health service. It works with local partners to create a joint and long-lasting approach to tackling obesity and to support residents to achieve a healthier weight.   Residents can sign up themselves or be referred by their GP or health practitioner to join the course. 

 
Anyone interested in taking part in this free programme can email healthtrainers@northumberland.gov.uk or telephone 01670 623840 to discuss this further with a Health Trainer.