A better Medway

Tipping the balance

Tipping the Balance

Tipping the Balance is our community-based programme which aims to help people lead a healthier lifestyle and manage their weight.

The main aims of the service are to:

  • support people to work towards a healthy weight
  • encourage healthier lifestyles
  • improve self esteem and confidence.

Any adult with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 (or greater than 35 with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure) can be referred to the service by their GP if they are ready to change their lifestyle, and do not have any acute physical or mental health condition.

When you are referred to the service, you'll be contacted by our advice centre and invited to join our Active Treatment pathway. This means, you can start addressing and identifying your health goals immediately by attending any or all the following options:

  • attend our free 12-week Healthy Way lifestyle course
  • attend our free 6-week cookery course
  • attend our free 4-week workshops on 'Readiness to Change'
  • join our popular walking, cycling or Nordic walking groups.

All these options will prepare you to make the most of your one-to-one appointment with our Specialist Health Improvement Practitioner (SHIP), in Tipping the Balance.  

At your first appointment with the SHIP, all aspects of your health and lifestyle may be discussed. Dependent on your progress, up to a year's support can be offered which will allow the SHIP to provide individual personalised care, supporting improvements to both your physical and emotional health whilst encouraging changes in behaviour. They'll advise and guide you through lifestyle changes that will help you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The SHIP may also advise that you're referred to the team dietician and psychotherapists.

If you're considering weight loss surgery, further support and information will also be given. This will ensure that you're in the best position for surgery, both physically and psychologically, so that you can achieve the best post-operative outcomes.

Clinics are held at community venues throughout Medway, by phone, or face to face on a digital platform.

To be referred to the programme please speak to your GP or practice nurse.

For more information call us 01634 333 101 or email tippingthebalance@nhs.net.