The district’s NHS obesity team is urging people to sign up for a new series of adult and children’s weight loss programmes in Bradford and Airedale, starting in the New Year.

The obesity team provides weight management services at venues in Bradford and Airedale.

Programmes combine advice and practical sessions on healthy eating and help people to increase their physical activity levels.

They include advice on portion sizes and food labels, a practical supermarket tour and opportunities to develop healthy cooking skills.

Healthy Weight programmes, for adults over 18 start in January. This 12-week group weight management programme offers support to reduce weight safely and effectively by healthy lifestyle changes.

The new list of programmes includes female-only and male-only groups, as well as sessions with language support.

Families across Bradford and Airedale are being invited to sign up for a new course for overweight children aged five to 13 from January.

The weight management programmes for children and their families include an initial assessment of children’s and parents’ weight, the child’s level of current physical activity, and their diet and eating habits.

Martin Earnshaw, from the obesity team at NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds, said: “Most people are aware that they should eat healthier foods and get a bit more active, but actually making the changes that will lead to a healthier weight can be the most challenging bit.

“Our groups aim to give people the tools to make those healthier choices and provide a supportive environment in which to do so. We find that participants really benefit from the support and motivation of other people in the group, and are inspired by seeing others achieve great results.”

To find out more about any of the weight management courses on offer, call (01274) 202801.

In addition to the Healthy Weight programme, some people may be eligible for the BEEP exercise referral scheme.

This supports people with a range of medical conditions to begin exercising in a safe and effective way.

Referral is via a patient’s GP or nurse, or by calling (01274) 202798 for more advice.