Advice and resources : Managing your weight

Check your body mass index (BMI)

A healthy weight can be checked by calculating your body mass index (BMI). BMI is the measure of your height and weight, which is then compared against a chart. The BMI chart can give a good indication of whether you’re underweight, overweight, or average weight.

The NHS website has useful resources around BMI calculations and how you can lose weight through changing your eating habits and exercise. 

• Calculate BMI on NHS.UK
• Weight loss advice from NHS UK

Why lose weight?

The benefits of losing weight can include:

• reducing your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
• improving your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• improving blood glucose (sugar) control if you already have diabetes
• reducing your risk of some cancers
• sometimes reducing the amount of medication you need
• helping you look and feel healthier

Weight Off Your Mind (WOYM) programme

Our Community Dietitians run a virtual weight management programme called 'Weight Off Your Mind', an online group weight loss course designed to help you build awareness of your health and wellbeing through self-reflection and problem solving. We will provide you with information and skills to help you to lose weight and maintain it long term.

Please note: We do not offer a service for weight loss injections.

About the course

The programme consists of six online group sessions running over three months, followed by a final masterclass. Sessions are held in the evening on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month and last up to 90 minutes.

The sessions take place online through a simple platform called One Consultation. You don’t need to download any apps, the link and access code will be sent to your email.

Using mobile internet can sometimes cause connection issues, so we advise using a device with a strong connection to secure WiFi or wired internet. We also ask that you choose a private place to attend the sessions.

During each session, we will cover different aspects of healthy eating, allow you to explore your relationship with food, discuss physical activity ideas, and goal setting to help with weight loss.

Learn more by downloading our booklet:

What if I don’t want to attend a group?

We understand that joining a group can feel quite daunting. However, research and our experience tell us that attending a group is the most effective way to lose weight. The benefits of a group programme are:

• being given information and support over a longer time
• support and learning from others in the group

Who can join?

This programme is for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 (or a BMI over 27.5 if you have a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background) in addition to one or more of the following weight related medical conditions:

• polycystic ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• osteoarthritis (wear and tear of knee and hip joints)
• heart disease

• Check your BMI

If you have type 2 diabetes and/or high blood pressure (hypertension), it is likely that you’ll be eligible for the NHS England digital weight management programme.

Your GP or pharmacist can refer you.

• Learn more about the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme

How to join the Weight Off Your Mind programme

If you have received a letter from us inviting you to the programme, please send us an email including your full name and NHS number.

If you wish to refer yourself and you meet our criteria, please send us an email us that includes your:

• full name
• NHS number
• current BMI
• details of the medical condition listed above that applies to you

Please be aware that we will need to access your medical records to ensure you meet our referral criteria.

You can also call us if you would further information on the course.