Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Weight Management

Coaching sessions (1:1, face to face or on the phone) are open to any patient who is wanting to make changes to their lifestyle and could be someone simply feeling “stuck” and unsatisfied by their life at present. You must be prepared to make changes and ideally be open to exploring new strategies to try. Health Coaches can help with goal setting and motivation.

Referral and more info via Social Prescribing at your GP surgery: Tel: 01308 428943.

Live Well Dorset

Live Well Dorset offers support, information and tools to help you live a healthier life. They can also help with stopping smoking, reducing alcohol and getting more active. You may be eligible for a free kick-start voucher to Second Nature or Slimming World.

Telephone: 01305 233105. (Mon – Fri 9.00-18.30)

Website: www.livewelldorset.co.uk

NHS Fitness App

Free to download, the NHS fitness apps will help you make better choices, keep you motivated and record your achievements.

• Weight loss (also available on Google Play and Apple App Store)
• Active 10 (also available on Apple App Store)
• Couch to 5K (also available on Apple App Store and Google Play)
• Food scanner (also available on Apple App Store and Google Play)
• Drink free days (also available on Apple App Store)

NHS Healthier Families Website

The NHS healthier families website is full of ideas, hints and tips to help you make better food choices for all the family.

Website: www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/

Exercise on Prescription

Bridport Leisure Centre, Leisure East Devon (Axminster and Seaton Leisure Centres) and Dorchester 1610 all offer a reduced rate of subscription when you are referred by a Healthcare Professional so you can try out some different classes and the gym for 12 weeks at a reduced cost.

• Bridport: Pick up a form from the centre and follow the instructions to complete.
• Axminster: You will need a referral from the GP surgery – Social Prescribing can do this for you.
• Dorchester: Contact Social Prescribing for more information.

Health Walks

Free, short and regular guided walks for all abilities, especially those who would like to get more active. Several options in West Dorset.

Website for times and dates: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-health-walks

Social Prescribing (Physical Activity)

The social prescribing team has information on a wide range of physical activity opportunities in West Dorset.

Contact us: 01308 428943 or jcsocilaprescribing@dorsetgp.nhs.uk and we can try and find something that you’ll enjoy.

A supported 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme for those living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of diabetes and/or high blood pressure.

For more information: www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management

There are lots of podcasts and programmes that give information about eating healthily. One of our favourites is the late Dr Michael Moseley’s series ‘Just One Thing’. It’s not just for weight loss but discusses a range of things we can do to improve our health and wellbeing and each episode is only 15 minutes long.

Your GP cannot prescribe weight loss injections. At the moment, they are only available on the NHS via specialist weight loss services which also focus on diet, nutrition and increasing physical activity. There are strict criteria for referral to these services and receiving injectables (At least one weight-related health problem and a BMI of at least 35). You also need to have followed a weight loss programme in the community for 2 years. If you feel you fit this criteria please speak with your GP regarding next steps. There are several private providers of these medications but we can’t recommend or advise on these.