[Marchmallow]

After a recent chat with my doc about my weight being a contributor to my depression, I was assessed and applied for the step-by-step program (still to hear from it, yet). Anyone else on an NHS program? This one only accepts you if your BMI is over 30 (and mine's 35.6, sob.)

Apparently, I can get a gym discount too, if my doc writes a letter on my behalf to the gym (dear Total Fitness, please let this fatty in for cheap of she'll never lose the weight. Yours, The Doc.)

I think they vary from region to region. I have a friend in Manchester and she's been given a FREE gym membership, providing she checks in 3 times a week and doesn't miss a session. Bah!!

[fcuser10395743]

Yeah, some areas get free gym sessions, others get let in still for full price but you still get an embarassing doctor's letter telling you to go. Our area offers only "go home and get thin" really. I was told I could have a leaflet telling me what foods were good for me in an oh-so-undetailed manner ("eat vegetables, but don't get too concerned about vegetables because it's your overall diet that matters, so eat smaller portions of everything, but don't eat everything") and you can be weighed by the nurse once a month "if you like" [shrug].

[lora m]

Make good use of it while you can. The conditions attached to your friend's gym membership sound perfectly fair to me - after all she's not going to get much out of it if she doesn't go regularly.

All my doctor did was to tell me I needed to lose weight. He wanted me to lose 5lb in a month to prove that I could do it before prescribing Alli, but didn't suggest a particular diet plan other than to say 'low fat'. I went back to doing Weightwatchers because I already knew the plan, but didn't bother going for the prescription in the end. It all helped give me the kick I needed to start again though.