An evaluation of the adult weight management programme -

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide an evaluation of the “Weight No More”, adult weight management programme which is part of the “Active Lifestyles” service. This evaluation is a retrospective study, analysing before and after data of male and female participants (n = 154) who took part in the “Weight No More” programme during January 2011 to August 2013. Participants attended circuit based exercise classes and received additional weight management support. Height, weight and BMI were all recorded at the participant’s initial visit and then weight and BMI repeated frequently. Sessions were open access and participants chose which venue to attend, attendance ranged from one to 66 weeks, however for the purpose of this study repeat measurements were investigated at 4 (n = 30), 8 (n = 20) and 12 (n = 13) weeks. There were statistically significant decreases in weight at baseline and 4 weeks (P= 0.010) of -1.2kg, baseline and 8 weeks (P= 0.003) of -1.88kg and baseline and 12 weeks of -2.9kg (P= 0.010). Those involved in the programme were predominantly of white ethnicity (64.9%), female (94%) with a mean age of 47 years. 8.9% of the participants involved were from the top 10% most deprived wards in Manchester. Providing a physical opportunity for weight management in Manchester can attract those who are overweight and obese and is effective at reducing weight. Further support is available for participants to continue to be active and maintain weight loss by accessing further physical activity sessions through the “Active Lifestyles” service.