My doctor's surgery are starting this pilot programme where you don't only get medical support to lose weight but you're also helped by a Cognitive-Behavioural counsellor, a dietician and a personal trainer. I had a blood test done last week to check things like glucose, cholesterol, thyroid, kidney and liver function. The tests came out all whithin normal levels which means I've been accepted into the early stages of the programme. I'm seeing the counsellor and the dietician in two weeks time and I've got a exercise referral from the GP which means I can exercise at low cost at the local gym and get a bit more help from the trainers.

Once accepted into the programme, 100 people will commence the pilot which lasts a year and if successful it will be rolled out onto other ares of the county.

Is anyone else involved in anything like this?

Personally I think it's great the NHS are getting involved in helping people lose weight as much as they are helping people give up smoking, as the medical risks are so numerous when you're overweight and it must really drain the NHS funds treating patients suffering from the symptoms and illnesses associated with obesity.