Barnet Council and DDM launch new healthy weight service for adolescents

DDM Health and Barnet Council are excited to announce the launch of a new weight management service for adolescents, developed in partnership with DDM's Gro Health platform. This service is tailored specifically to support young people aged 14-19 in managing their weight, improving their physical and mental health, and gaining the tools necessary for long-term wellbeing.

As adolescent obesity rates rise across Barnet, this initiative comes at a critical time. The National Childhood Measurement Programme (2022/23) revealed that 19.3% of Reception children and 33.7% of Year 6 children in Barnet are overweight or very overweight, highlighting the urgent need for targeted, effective interventions to help the borough’s youth lead healthier lives.

The new service will provide flexible and accessible options, including both face-to-face support and access to the Gro Health digital platform.

It takes a whole-person approach, focusing on four key areas of adolescent health:

• Mental wellbeing
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Physical activity

The programme aims to empower young people by offering a range of support options, helping them build healthy habits that can be sustained long into adulthood.

Cllr Alison Moore, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board at Barnet Council, emphasised the importance of this initiative: "I am delighted to see this innovative weight management service launched for young people in Barnet.

"Addressing both physical and mental health, this programme will provide invaluable support to our young residents at a critical stage of their development, empowering them with the tools they need to build healthy habits and live well into adulthood."

A standout feature of the service is its personalised health coaching model. Participants will have access to weekly one-to-one coaching sessions, delivered either face-to-face or online over a 12-week period.

These coaching sessions will focus on helping young people stay motivated, overcome challenges, and build healthy habits that last.

Michaela de la Fosse, Operations Manager at DDM Health, expressed the vision behind the service: "Our goal with this service is to empower young people in Barnet to take control of their health. The programme is co-developed with adolescent obesity specialists at Berkshire NHS Trust, ensuring it meets the specific needs of young people. We are committed to making sure every participant has access to personalised support, whether through face-to-face coaching or the Gro Health platform."

The service is open to residents across Barnet, who can join either by referral from their GP or by self-referral.

To check eligibility and register, please visit: Gro Health Barnet.

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