A FREE weight management pharmacy service has launched in Heybridge and South Woodham Ferrers, among other Essex locations, to help adults take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.

The new service launches across four Rowlands’ pharmacies after pharmacy-led research shone a light on how many UK adults are concerned about their weight.

The nationwide study from Rowlands revealed that more than a third (32 per cent) of adults in the South East feel motivated to lose weight to improve their health, while 25 per cent would also like to improve their fitness.

It also showed 19 per cent said they would like to lose weight to safeguard their health and their family’s future, while a further 13 per cent added they would like to improve symptoms of a pre-existing health condition.

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But 16 per cent of adults in the South East feel that the language used by healthcare professionals to discuss weight can often make them feel uncomfortable, with 11 per cent saying they have also found it to be unhelpful in the past.

So, Rowlands is offering a new service which sees free advice offered to help those who may not know where to start and to those who feel like they need more support with their weight loss.

The new service aims to provide a friendly face and professional pathway on where to start and how to achieve goals in a way which will suit individual lifestyle and health requirements, offering anything from advice on holistic lifestyle changes to recommending treatments such as Lipotrim and prescription medication designed to help with weight loss.

The pharmacy chain has teamed up with TV medic, Dr Dawn Harper, to help with the supporting launch campaign.

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Showing her support, she said: “Pharmacies are fantastic spaces to speak freely and openly about any weight concerns.

"Starting a weight loss journey or plan with support from a healthcare professional is a valuable step to take.

"Rowlands’ launch campaign really helps to break down and address the myths often attached to weight loss and I do hope it encourages lots of people to take a pharmacy-first approach to addressing weight loss this New Year.” Nigel Swift, managing director of Rowlands, added: “Our new weight management service is designed to help all those setting out on a new weight loss journey but also those who have struggled to find a plan that works for them.

"We look forward to welcoming members of the local community and providing everyone with the individual guidance they need."

The free service is now available across the following Rowlands pharmacies:

  • Rowlands Bentalls Centre, Units 10a/ 10b Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Heybridge
  • Rowlands Brickfield Road, 1 Brickfield Road, South Woodham Ferrers
  • Rowlands Arundel Road, 96 Arundel Road, Benfleet 
  • Rowlands Whitmore Way, 418 Whitmore Way, Basildon 

Depending on eligibility, Lipotrim is available for £45 at participating Rowlands branches.