June 13, 2011 11.59 am This story is over 153 months old

Men-only weight loss group opens in county

Help: Males looking to loose weight in Lincolnshire will be able to get help though a new weight loss programme.

Lincolnshire’s Phoenix service is looking for men to join its first men-only weight loss programme in Lincoln.

The programme is set to start in July and is aiming to get around 30 men to take part.

Each year Lincolnshire Community Health Service NHS Trust (LCHS) works with around 1,500 people, helping them to live a healthier lifestyle, but 80% of these people are female.

Programme Manager, Matt Broughton, for LCHS says women seem to be more “comfortable with wanting to lose weight” but men are more reluctant.

Broughton added that men might benefit from being in a group with other males as it “can be a really good laugh and also help them get down to some serious work and weight loss”.

Coronary heart disease is more prevalent in men and is closely linked to obesity. The men-only weight loss group will help to target those who are at risk.

Broughton said: “Although the number of men currently using the Phoenix Weight Management service is small in comparison to women, men who have joined seem to lose more weight than females.

“I think this is because once men get started they can be really determined.

“We have had some men losing up to seven stone in a year, but they just seem to need that initial kick start and someone to point them in the right direction.”

To be accepted onto the programme certain criteria apply:

  • body Mass index of 30 or above
  • aged 18 or over
  • must be available to attend regular meetings and be prepared to make changes to diet and exercise.

If you are interested in taking part in the weight loss programme then contact the Phoenix Weight Management Service on 01522 550683.

Source: LPCT