Thousands of Hampshire residents to benefit from expanded weight management support programme

Hampshire County Council has approved investment of up to £6.2 million from April 2027 to help residents across the county access practical support to lose weight, become more active and reduce their risk of serious long-term health conditions.

The expanded programme builds on the success of existing services, which already support around 5,000 residents each year, with many participants achieving clinically meaningful weight loss and developing healthier long-term habits. The future service is expected to support between 6,000 and 7,000 residents annually.

The new service model will provide a wider range of support options tailored to residents’ needs, including face-to-face programmes, physical activity-based support, and specialist services for people living with severe mental illness or learning disabilities. Additional support will also be targeted towards communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities.

Across Hampshire, around two-thirds of adults are currently overweight or living with obesity, increasing the risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Councillor Joanne Burton, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Enabling residents to live healthier, happier lives is one of our key priorities, and these services are already making a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across Hampshire.

“We know that losing weight is not always easy, particularly when many people are balancing busy lives, financial pressures or existing health conditions. That is why it is so important that residents can access free, supportive and evidence-based programmes that help them make sustainable changes for the long term.

“This continued investment means even more residents will be able to benefit from tailored support that helps improve confidence, physical health and overall wellbeing. We are especially committed to ensuring support reaches people and communities most at risk of poor health outcomes, helping to reduce inequalities and create a healthier Hampshire for everyone.”

The programme will continue to focus on long-term behaviour change, supporting residents to improve their diet, increase physical activity and build healthier routines that can be sustained over time. 

The services will continue to be funded through Hampshire County Council’s ring-fenced Public Health Grant as part of the authority’s duty to improve population health and reduce health inequalities across the county.