Free weight loss programme starting soon

A free-to-join weight loss programme is starting at BSUH in the autumn. The 12-week beezee bodies course, funded by Public Health England, focuses on losing weight, choosing healthy habits and improving health and wellbeing.

The course is run by a nutritionist and each session is divided into two parts. The first deals with nutrition and how to change bad habits, and the second is about movement and exercise.

There are 25 places open to members of BSUH staff who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25+, or 23.5 for BME groups or those with co-morbidities. BMI is a measure using your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. You can check yours at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/.

beezee bodies boasts having run more than 2,000 sessions, for 5,000 participants, together losing 800 stones. Their website features Veronica who previously had joined a weight loss class and lost four stone. But once she stopped attending the regular meetings, she slipped back into old habits - larger portions and too much chocolate watching TV. Her doctor told her about beezee bodies and she signed up in Brighton. "I felt pleased to be finally addressing my weight and exercise issues,” she said, “and found the 12 weeks absolutely brilliant."

Faye Heffernan, Engagement, Health and Wellbeing Manager, says: “We’re really pleased to be starting this at BSUH. Losing weight can be hard, but all the data shows it helps to be part of a supportive group. There are just 25 places on the course, and it’s an exciting opportunity to help staff improve their health and wellbeing.”

Provisionally, the course will run in Brighton on Tuesdays, from 5.30 - 7.30pm, from 24 September until 10 December, and staff must be able to commit to the whole 12 weeks. It’s hoped a similar course can be provided at PRH.

To register your interest, email: bethany.sidey@nhs.net.