HEA25229 Fit for Life - Men's Health Programme

In Worcestershire, supporting adults to have a healthy lifestyle remains a public health priority. Around 67% of adults in Worcestershire are classified as overweight or obese. Despite men being more likely than women to be overweight nationally (69.7% compared to 59.2%), uptake of local weight management programmes among men is disproportionately low, estimated at just 12% of participants. This highlights a significant gap in engagement and accessibility, as men often face cultural, social, and practical barriers to joining traditional programmes. The consequences are serious: excess weight substantially increases the risk of long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, underscoring the urgent need for more tailored, male-focused interventions to address these inequalities.

By embedding weight management within a sports setting, programmes overcome cultural and psychological barriers, making them more appealing and sustainable for men compared to clinical or classroom-style interventions.

Fit for Life will

• Promote and support weight loss, or prevent further excess weight gain, primarily among individuals living with overweight or obesity
• Support achievement of the CMO's physical activity recommendations and a reduction in sedentary behaviour.
• Support service users to develop healthier eating habits and learn about healthy balanced meals.
• Provide a flexible, user led programme that is individualised, culturally competent and inclusive.
• Support service users to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle and behavioural changes, including improved diet and increased physical activity to achieve sustainable weight loss.
• Help service users develop strategies and self-regulatory skills to overcome challenges, achieve their weight related goals and maintain a healthier body weight over the long term.

Contract value is £257,066 for the period 01/05/26 - 30/04/30