People in Lambeth can join a free weight loss and exercise programme to help shed the pounds and maintain a consistently healthy weight.
Word from the Cabinet
Councillor Jacqui Dyer, Lambeth’s joint Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities, said: “Whether you’re making New Year’s resolutions or not this is a great way to boost your health in a supportive and inclusive environment. I’d encourage local people to sign up and start the year in a really positive way.”
Find your sessions
Groups of up to 20 meet for weekly one-hour sessions run by and St Thomas’ Lambeth Healthy Weight Hub, which includes nutritionists and physiotherapists (photo above). You can attend online or face to face in healthcare settings, leisure centres or at gyms in Streatham, Oval, West Norwood or Vauxhall. A men-only class is available in Vauxhall’s Black Prince Estate. The 12-week programme also offers healthy recipes.
You can be referred by a Lambeth GP or self-refer. You must be a Lambeth resident with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, or – if you are Black African, Black Caribbean, Latinx or South Asian – a BMI between 27.5 and 40.
Structure for healthy eating
Launceford Brown of Guy’s & St Thomas weight loss programme
Launceford Brown, 56, from Stockwell (pictured) has lost 8kg since joining the programme at West Norwood Health and Leisure Centre. He has type 2 diabetes and has taken high blood pressure medication since his mid-30s.
“I found the programme very educational. You can talk about putting food in a specific area on the plate, but with Caribbean dinners you have to consider the height of the food too.
“This programme has given me structure – I plan my meals at regular times, exercise at regular, and I’m very specific with my shopping now – I stay away from processed food, buying healthier fresh produce.”
In the same boat
Louise from Clapham joined at Gracefield Gardens in October “I went up to 105 kilos, around 16 stone. I thought, ‘I’m going to be 60 in 2025. It’s time to do something!’
“The programme makes you look at labels and start eating better. It takes away the complication, explaining food portions and hidden calories. Also, everybody is in the same boat. There is no judgement, you feel comfortable to talk!”
Follow-up for fitness
Sessions include aerobics and stretching or strength and balance exercises. At the end of 12 weeks, participants can join any Active Gym in Lambeth, with a 50% membership discount.
Guy’s and St Thomas community health improvement co-ordinator Céline Causeret said: “We accompany people for 12 weeks but we want them to continue that journey and sustain the weight loss.
“It’s never too late to do something, and something is better than nothing. With a little bit more physical activity you start to see differences. A little bit of weight loss will help you in your daily life, and you will feel better.”
More information
For more information about joining the programme: www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/lambeth-healthy-weight
