East of England weight management services for children

If you have a child who has a high body mass index (BMI), meaning that they are overweight or obese, there may be group sessions available where you live that can help you to manage your child’s weight. The table on the next page lists services currently available in the East of England region. Group sessions have been shown to be very effective in managing obesity and excessive weight gain.

If you cannot see a service for your area or your child’s age, or have any other queries, you can speak with your consultant or GP to refer you to your local dietitian.

Please note: the information below was correct at time of publication.

Bedfordshire

• Morelife is for those five to 18 years of age who are a resident of Bedfordshire (or attend a school there) and have BMI ≥91st centile. Offers 10-week family and teen programmes for those based in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. Call 0808 208 2340 or email Morelife for more information.

• Beezee Bodies is for all children aged 10 to 16 years with learning and physical disabilities (of a healthy weight or overweight). The 'B-Active' programme is 10 weeks long. Email Beezee Bodies for more information.

Cambridgeshire

• Healthy You is for children aged seven to 11 years old with BMI ≥91st centile. They offer a family approach to managing weight. Call 0333 005 0093 or email Healthy You for more information.

Essex

• ACE Lifestyle CHIMPS is for primary school children above a healthy BMI, while DEAL is for children and teens above a healthy BMI. They offer a programme of fun physical activity sessions for the children and information sessions for parents. Call 300 303 9988 or email Essex Wellbeing for more information.

Hertfordshire

• Beezee Bodies is for children aged five to 15 years old who have a BMI on the 91st centile or above. They offer a 17 week program; sessions are two hours long. Venues in Stevenage, Watford, Borehamwood, Welwyn Garden City, Hoddesdon, Cheshunt, Watford and Hemel Hempstead. Call 01707 248648 or email Beezee Bodies for more information.

Norfolk

• The Community Sports Foundation offers a 10-week program for parents and children, available as 'Fit4It Juniors' (for children aged seven to 12 years old) and 'Fit4It Seniors' (for young people aged 13 to 16 years old with higher than average BMI). Held at Norwich City FC and various locations around Norfolk. Call 01603 984 000 or email Fit4It for more information.

• Gro Health is for children and young people aged four to 18 and their families. They offer 12 weeks of in-person group education sessions or 12 months free access to the Gro Health digital platform. Call 0330 133 0307 for more information.