Adult Weight Management Support
This service launched in June 2009.
Wolverhampton residents who are either a patient with diabetes aged 18 years or more or any other patient aged 30 years or more, can be referred by their GP or practice nurse to a free 12 week programme of support. The BMI entry level will be lowered for anyone with an existing medical condition. Specialist group support is also available for anyone with certain medical conditions. This can be discussed with the GP or practice nurse to ensure the right support is provided for each person.
Weight Watchers and Fitbug both provide a service across the City. However, if currently a member of Weight Watchers, membership must lapse by 12 weeks before being accepted into the free programme.
For more information, contact the Public Health Department on 01902 444470.
Fitbug www.fitbug.com/
What is Fitbug?
Fitbug is a pocket-sized health and wellness coach designed to help people become more active and improve their eating habits by making small changes to their everyday routine.
How does it work?
Fitbug uses a small gadget called the ‘Bug’ – (an interactive accelerometer) which when worn in a pocket or on the waist, accurately tracks the number of steps, aerobic steps, calories burned, and distance walked. 
Once the Bug is plugged into a PC (USB cable included) activity data is transferred to Fitbug.com where it is analysed. Fitbug then sends each member weekly activity (steps) and healthy-eating targets designed to help them achieve their goal (e.g. weight loss).
Feedback, encouragement and motivation are provided via text messages and emails, and members have access to their very own pages on fitbug.com where they can track their progress and access a wealth of health information including recipes, articles, a members’ forum and healthy eating advice. 
What does the Fitbug weight management programme involve?
The programme unites the Fitbug coaching system with 12 weekly group sessions focussing on behaviour modification, the identification of barriers to change, as well as the importance of activity and healthy eating.
Each session will last around 60 minutes and will include an interactive group session as well as a one to one with the course leader, a weight check and the opportunity to upload Fitbug data and view progress online.
What will patients receive?
All patients who are referred to the service will receive their own Fitbug and 12 months access to Fitbug.com, plus a programme which includes achievable weekly activity and nutrition targets tailored to ensure a sensible and sustainable rate of weight loss. Patients will also be issued with a course pack which includes a record card, food diary, tip cards, fact sheets, recipes and a course workbook.
Those who achieve a 5% weight loss within the first 12 weeks will be invited to attend maintenance sessions which will run on a monthly basis.
What about patients who don’t have internet access?
No problem – patients will have the opportunity to upload data and browse the site at weekly sessions (the Bug holds data for 14 days) and communications (such as targets and encouragement) will be sent by text message. We’ll also signpost towards areas in the community where they can upload Fitbug data after their 12 sessions end.
For more information about Fitbug, click here to go to their website.
Weight Watchers www.weightwatchers.co.uk
Weight Watchers has an established track record in supporting people to lose weight. Their aim is to not only help clients lose weight but to also sustain the loss. With Weight Watchers ‘ProPoints Plan’ clients will learn:
- To make the right choices to feel more satisfied and avoid giving into temptation.
- Which foods help keep you fuller longer, so hunger stays in check.
- To avoid boredom and stress eating.
- To eat when hungry and stop when full.
The four pillars of the programme are described as food, exercise, behaviour and support.
All clients will be provided with a stepometer to encourage walking. Organised walk details are available on the PCT website in the Walking for Health programme.
For more information about Weight Watchers, click here to go to their website.
