A healthier weight,
one step at a time
Carrying extra weight raises your risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. The good news: small, steady changes — with the right support behind you — really work, and you do not have to do it alone.
- Cost
- Free
- Support
- One-to-one and groups
- Where
- Local, in Islington
- For
- Registered patients
Why it matters
Why a healthy weight matters
Weighing more than is healthy for your height increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, joint problems and poor sleep. Losing even a small amount of weight brings real health benefits — you do not need a dramatic transformation.
2 in 3
adults in England are overweight or living with obesity.
5%
weight loss — around half a stone for many people — lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
12 weeks
of a structured plan is often all it takes to build habits that last.
Interactive
What is your BMI?
Body mass index (BMI) compares your weight to your height. It is a quick guide — not a diagnosis — and it works for most adults aged 18 to 80. Try the NHS BMI calculator too.
How tall you are
What you weigh now
Your BMI
28.4kg/m²
Overweight (BMI 25–29.9)
You are above the healthy range — small, steady changes now stop this creeping up further.
Try the free 12-week NHS Better Health weight loss plan, or ask the surgery about the local programmes below.
Body mass index (BMI)
Free local support
Programmes you can join
Explore these local services. Eligibility, availability and referral requirements vary — contact the surgery or programme provider to check which options are available to you.
Whittington Health Weight Management
A structured, evidence-based weight management service run by Whittington Health — specialist support to help you lose weight and keep it off, tailored to you.
Find out about the programme →Men onlyShape Up
A free programme from Arsenal in the Community, built for men who want to get fitter and healthier together — practical nutrition, activity and motivation.
Find out about Shape Up →Women onlyShape Up Sisters
The women's edition: friendly group sessions with practical nutrition advice and activity, run by Arsenal in the Community.
Find out about Shape Up Sisters →You are not alone
You can also talk to us at the GP surgery
Our GPs, nurses and social prescribing team are here for weight advice as much as anything else. We can check for conditions and medicines that make weight harder to manage, review your blood pressure and blood sugar, and refer you into the programme that suits you best.
- Advice on diet, activity and weight from a GP or practice nurse
- Referrals to Whittington Health and Arsenal's Shape Up programmes
- Support from our social prescribing team — walking groups, cooking classes and more
- A blood pressure or diabetes check while you are here
Good to know
Common questions
Small steps, real results
Barnsbury Medical Practice · Free programmes · Registered patients · Support every step of the way