Being significantly overweight or underweight can increase the likelihood of developing a variety of diseases, and can also have an impact on your mental health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a nutritious diet and regular exercise is essential to a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Here, we have collated a variety of resources to support you as you take the steps towards a healthier routine.
You can also visit the Wandsworth Council website for more information about weight management resources.
- My weight, my health
- I want to be more active
- I want to eat healthier
- Support with weight management
My weight, my health
How can my weight affect my health?
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for good health. The COVID pandemic has meant that people have found it difficult to keep their weight under control, with recurrent lockdowns not only limiting our physical activity but also causing stress on people which can affect their eating habits. Obesity is now estimated to affect 1 in 4 adults in the UK.
Excess weight can have wide ranging effects on our health. It can cause fertility issues in men and women, mental health issues, and increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, heartburn and reflux, and many more common health issues that people face. Recent studies into COVID have shown that people suffering from obesity are more likely to experience a more severe disease and are at an increased risk of death.
For more information on how weight can affect your health, please visit the sites below:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity
www.patient.info/healthy-living/obesity-overweight
www.cancerresearchuk.org – Does obesity cause cancer?Is my weight affecting my health?
Am I a healthy weight?
www.nhs.uk – BMI healthy weight calculator
What is my risk of getting diabetes?
www.riskscore.diabetes.org.uk – Find out your risk of Type 2 diabetesHeight and weight review
Update your weight and height on your medical record by completing the height and weight review form.
I want to be more active
Parkrun
A free and weekly event that takes place in parks and open spaces. Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
Website
www.parkrun.org.uk/tootingcommonExercise on Referral
A tailored exercise programme for up to 12 weeks with a specially trained exercise instructor at 1 of 7 local leisure and sports centres, available on referral from your GP. For more information, call the number below.
Phone
0208 875 5056For Men: Guys Get Active
Guys Get Active is a 10-week exercise programme for men. There are two football sessions per week and/or one virtual exercise session focusing on bodyweight circuit training.
Phone
0203 959 0039
Website
www.enablelc.org/guysgetactive
Email
activelifestyles@enablelc.orgFor New Mums
Free 12 week programme for postnatal mums (up to 24 months), including energy boosting workouts and great nutritional tips. Contact the Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub for more information.
Phone
020 8812 6700
Website
Wandsworth Wellbeing HubActive Lifestyles
Active Lifestyles is a programme that offers adults within Wandsworth a number of weekly online classes that include Chi Gung, Yoga, over 50s keep fit classes and circuits.
Phone
020 3959 0033
Website
www.enablelc.org/activelifestyles
Email
activelifestyles@enablelc.orgWalk and Talk Movement – Wimbledon Park
The Walk and Talk Movement is designed to bring people together in their local green spaces for a weekly community walk. You can walk for however long and at whatever pace suits you.
It’s free and anyone can join – pets are also welcome.
It will be launching in Wimbledon Park on 18th September at 10:30 and the meeting place will be at the café outside the park.
Website
www.wewalkandtalk.org
I want to eat healthier
Patient.info: Healthy Living
A healthy diet may help to prevent certain long-term (chronic) diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It may also help to reduce your risk of developing some cancers and help you to keep a healthy weight. For more information, visit the Patient.info website.
Website
www.patient.info – Healthy EatingNHS Eat Well Guide
The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.
Website
www.nhs.uk – The Eatwell GuidePatient Webinars
Short videos for advice and guidance for weight management through diet changes, highly recommended by the practice team.
Website
www.patientwebinars.co.uk – Weight Management Webinars
Support with weight management
Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website
Slimming WorldWeight Watchers
Meetings, online or a little bit of both. They’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website
Weight WatchersBMI calculator
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.
Website
NHS: BMI healthy weight calculatorSocial Prescriber
Our social prescribers can help you make sustainable changes in your life to manage your weight, with tailored advice for meal planning and increasing physical activity. Contact the reception team to book an appointment.
Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub
A dedicated team to sign-post and direct you to relevant services for you.
Phone
020 3880 0366
Website
Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub
Email
waccg.wandsworthhub@nhs.netNHS Weight Loss Plan
The NHS free 12-week weight loss plan for successful and sustainable weight management. This is a helpful tool to promote long-term dietary changes and weight loss.
Download
NHS Weight Loss Plan on the App Store (apple.com)
NHS Weight Loss Plan – Apps on Google PlayMyFitnessPal
This app is recommended by our social prescribers. It is a free exercise and diet tracker to help you take control of your lifestyle goals. You can track calories, break down ingredients, and log exercise with MyFitnessPal. It also contains helpful tips, tricks and recipes to guide you.
Download
MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter on the App Store (apple.com)
MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter – Apps on Google Play