Slimming World reduces size of Rochdale by over 100 stones on NHS scheme

A scheme set up between Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale NHS Primary Care Trust (HMR PCT) and Slimming World to tackle Rochdale’s obesity problem is celebrating success. Since the launch of a referral scheme in June 2007, patients referred by their GPs to Slimming World groups in the town have so far lost a massive 1720lb (123 stones) in excess weight between them.

Lynn Guttridge, 41, of Castleton, was the first person in Rochdale to be issued with vouchers from her GP that entitled her to attend a group for free for a 12 week period. In the 12 weeks she lost 2 and a half stone and now after 9 months on the food pptimising plan, Mrs Gutteridge is an incredible 6 stones and 4 lbs lighter. Her success was supported by her GP and Mrs Gutteridge was issued with more vouchers that enabled her to continue to attend a group in Castleton on prescription.

Jo Chambers, Slimming World’s Team Developer for Rochdale said: “According to Rochdale’s health profile, early death rate from heart disease and stroke is the third highest in England. Slimming World and HMR PCT are directly tackling this problem without the use of medication or surgery, but by supporting patients throughout their weight loss journey and allowing them to come along free of charge to warm, friendly and supportive groups. Slimming World’s research into UK obesity shows it can reduce life expectancy from anything between 7 and 9 years. Effectively by shedding their excess weight with Slimming World, Rochdale residents will be living longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Many patients have now been taken off medication that they were previously dependent on as a consequence of leading unhealthy lifestyles and as a result of this success, HMR PCT have decided to plough more funds into the scheme.

For more details about the referral scheme ask your GP or Practice Nurse.