In the obesity capital of the UK

Tackling obesity is a high priority for public services. Wigan Council has a number of schemes to help people lose weight, including Let’s Get Movin’, an exercise program and nutrition classes for families.

NHS Greater Manchester launched a ‘fakeaways’ campaign in December last year, putting leaflets that looked like takeaways through people’s doors. Also does a healthy weight consultation for children.

Nicola Kiggin works as a Slimming World consultant, holding classes at Hindley Independent Methodist Church on the outskirts of Wigan.

Most people who join lose weight within the first week, Kiggin says. One member lost 16 lbs in seven days.

“There’s no magic potion or pill, it’s just normal food, but we’re changing the way we cook and shop,” says Kiggin.
She takes each person through a meal plan, explaining how unhealthy certain everyday foods can be. Many people are not aware of how unhealthy things like store bought sauces for example can be.

“It’s not anything special that we’re doing, we’re just bringing it back to basics.”

In November, Hill stopped eating after dinner and before lunch and started lifting weights: “I didn’t want to be that person anymore.”

He lost three stone in three months and is now raising funds to run the Greater Manchester Half Marathon for charity.

“I feel like I’ve gotten over it and I’m able to stay away from that type of food. It’s not just a diet for me, I’m not going to put the weight back on. I always felt like it was me against myself and I kind of won.”