Those who feel they missed the post new-year health and fitness drive are being reminded that Spring is as good a time to start as any.

If this applies to you, the Lanarkshire wide Weigh to Go programme will help you become more active, eat well and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Weigh to Go is a free weekly adult weight management group which runs in venues across Lanarkshire.

Groups are run in partnership between NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Leisure and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture in numerous community venues.

The weekly workshops are run by a health and fitness instructor and cover topics such as identifying hidden fats and sugars, alcohol within your diet or incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine.

The programme incorporates both an education and physical activity element tailored to suit all fitness levels.

The programme has been a huge success since it began in 2012 with over 2000 participants – 70 per cent of whom have lost weight.

Weigh to Go programme manager in South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Marie McKeown, said: “Modern life makes it all too easy to gain a few pounds, here and there, over the years.

“But gaining weight isn’t inevitable and many people find that if they start to move more and eat a healthier diet, they lose a bit of weight and start to feel better, sleep better and have more energy.”

Left: (l-r) Thomas Gilmour, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Weigh to Go tutor Gary Taggart, Scott Wilson and Sandra Pollock at the Hamilton Water Palace class.

Melanie Menzies from North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “We appreciate that for many people, when it comes to losing weight, it’s often hard to know where to start.

“Weigh to Go not only helps you do this but also shows you how to stay fit, healthy and be active.

“It’s not just a quick fix diet but an all-in-one health and fitness programme.”

The programme has appealed to all generations with participants ranging from 16 to 84.

Karen McGuigan, NHS Lanarkshire public health specialist, said: “This programme is one of the many initiatives we have to help improve the overall health and wellbeing of the Lanarkshire population.

“Individuals are affected in numerous ways by being overweight and obese.

“It can cause aches and pains in muscles and joints, cause problems sleeping, a loss of energy, confidence or problems with self-esteem.

“It also increases our chances of developing a number of serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes.

“By participating in the Weigh to Go programme individuals can help reduce these risks.”

You can book a Weigh to Go class at your local leisure centre or visit the following websites for more details:

• North Lanarkshire: https://www.nlleisure.co.uk/fitness-classes/weigh-to-go

• South Lanarkshire: http://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/34/health_and_fitness/848/weigh_to_go