Adults in Hampshire are being urged to embrace free exercise and weight loss programmes starting in the new year.

Starting in January, the 12-week programme is funded by Hampshire County Council and is open to residents over 18, excluding those in Southampton and Portsmouth postcodes, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above (or 27.5 or above for those from a BAME background).

Participants have four main options, including a digital weight loss programme offering 12 weeks of interactive videos guiding participants through their weight loss journey.

A supported weight loss programme is also available, where participants are assigned a mentor for added accountability and personalised advice.

Both options include access to the Gloji Online Gym, a platform offering a variety of exercise classes and a wealth of resources on nutrition, behaviour change, and stress management.

The programme has already seen success, with one participant, 57-year-old Joanne, losing one-and-a-half stone in 12 weeks.

Joanne said: "The weekly videos were excellent as was the telephone support. I am now working out daily. It has become a good habit, the first thing I think about when I wake up, and I am more mindful about what I eat, the size of my portions and I can easily say no to sweet treats that appear in the office.

"I don't deny myself a piece of chocolate now and then, though. You can really enjoy the positive changes you make."

For those more interested in physical activity, the programme additionally offers an exercise support pathway with limited spaces in group activities like netball.

Interested individuals are encouraged to register at hampshire.gloji.org.uk/signup/ for more information on how to join.