Adult weight management
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Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health. Becoming overweight or obese increases your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. If you're overweight, losing weight has many health benefits. Making small simple changes to what and how much you are eating and drinking and your level of activity can really help you lose weight. There's lots of help and advice in Barnet to help you maintain a healthy weight.
18 years and older Healthy Weight Care Pathway
The adult healthy weight care pathway in Barnet has been revised and was published in November 2024.
Healthy Lifestyle services
BETTER Healthwise Weight Loss Programme
The BETTER Healthwise Weight Loss Programme is for adults aged 18 years old and above who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30-40, or a BMI of 27.5-40 for Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups.
The programme comprises of weekly one hour group nutrition sessions over 12 weeks. Each session consists of an hour-long group workshop during which you’ll explore your motivations, increase your nutritional knowledge and discuss techniques to make positive lifestyle changes.
The programme aims to promote healthy living and an active lifestyle through a discounted membership.
The programme can be accessed via self-referral below, or via referral from your GP. If you have any concerns or questions before joining, it’s always best to speak to your GP who can advise on whether the programme is right for you.
For more information or to make a self-referral please visit Weight Loss Plan, or contact Healthwise.barnet@gll.org or 0208 457 9910.
Body Mass Index
You will need to check your body mass index (BMI) before taking part in the programme. BMI is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.
Check your BMI on the NHS website
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme could help you if you are living with obesity and also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. If this is you, you could benefit from this 12-week programme. It’s free and easily available via a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
To start your journey to a healthier lifestyle, you need to speak to your GP or a local pharmacist who can refer you to the programme.
For more information visit The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme.
Local initiatives and resources
Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Hub
FAB seeks to create a more active and healthier borough. The FAB online hub features:
- activity finder
- health and wellbeing guidance
- free online health check
- community stories
All Barnet residents are eligible for a FREE FAB Card which offers exclusive benefits and discounts across BETTER leisure centres and community-based activities.
Examples include:
- 8 to 15-year-olds swim for £1 (Monday to Saturday).
- Carers (including foster carers), looked after children and young people, and those who are care experienced are also eligible for free swimming across Better Barnet swimming pools (during all public swim sessions).
Register for the FAB card scheme
BETTER Healthwise Physical Activity on Referral
Healthwise physical activity referral schemes are dedicated to keeping you fit and healthy, whether you’re living with a health condition or looking for support and guidance.
For more details about physical activity on referral, please visit Healthwise Physical Activity Referral or email Healthwise.barnet@gll.org or telephone 0208 457 9910.
Apps and websites about healthy choices
Healthy recipes
Healthy eating doesn't need to be dull. Make tasty, affordable family meals with easy step-by-step recipes:
Recipes - Healthier Families - NHS
Food Factsheets
The British Dietetic Association have created a series of food fact sheets written by dietitians to help you learn the best ways to eat and drink to keep your body fit and healthy:
Adult food facts - British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Managing your weight
Information and advice about how to manage your weight if you're overweight or underweight: