About us
Live Lighter Sheffield is a free and inclusive weight management support service brought to you by Zest, the city-based community enterprise.
Our mission is simple
To promote and enable successful and healthy lives for the people of Sheffield.
Our 12-week programmes offer practical support and guidance on a range of topics including:
- The Eatwell Guide
- Managing portion sizes
- Emotional and comfort eating
- Food labeling
Sessions are designed to empower you to make small, realistic changes to your diet and health so you can move forward and achieve sustainable results!
There are programmes running at various times and at venues all over Sheffield so our team will help you find a session that works for you.
Find out if you are eligible for free support:
I’m a parent I’m an individual over 18 I’m a healthcare professional
Live Lighter Team
Weight Management Practitioners
Alongside our co-ordinators and admin team our expert team of Weight Management Practitioners are highly skilled and boasts a range of qualifications, including:
- BSc Sport and Exercise Science
- MSc Nutrition with Public Health Management
- HND/BSc in Sports Development and Coaching
- Level 3 in Nutrition for Physical
- Level 3 in Nutrition for Weight Management
- Level 2 Gym Instructor
- Level 2 Multi-skills sports coach
- BSc (hons) Public Health Nutrition at Sheffield Hallam
As well as this, our Weight Management Practitioners have extensive experience volunteering or working in the field. Some have worked for the NHS and Occupational Health providing tailored nutrition and physical activity support and advice.
What people are saying...
Live Lighter Sheffield really helped with changing my view of what I should be doing to lose weight. Take it slowly, reduce food, replace with better options and don’t give up if you slip up!
Nadine
Live Lighter Sheffield is helping me reset my thinking when it comes to healthy eating and helping me make better choices around food and nutrition. I’m already starting to see positive results.
Kelly
I’m learning to cook again! So Live Lighter Sheffield is helping me gain confidence, improve my skills and steadily lose weight. I’d like to say a big thank you to Olivia for all her support.
Ken
The Zoom sessions have been very useful and informative and a lifeline to still feel connected and not 'forgotten' in the madness of the pandemic. I can’t thank the team enough for their support.
Lisa
I look forward to the sessions each week, they teach you how to make small, lasting changes…The results speak for themselves.
Simon
You can teach an old dog new tricks after all! I am learning how to curb my eating and it’s working. I can’t wait to attend the next class!
Tracy
FAQs
Is it really free?
This service is commissioned by Sheffield City Council and provides city-wide weight management support to children, families, and adults FREE of charge.
What makes Live Lighter Sheffield different?
As well as being completely FREE, our weight management services are delivered by trained health practitioners. We don’t point score or single out people to stand up and explain their eating habits. We focus on people’s health and wellbeing. We make people comfortable and deliver results through lifestyle changes at a pace that suits the individual.
How do I sign up?
If you or a person you are responsible for live in Sheffield and qualify for our free support service get in touch. There are a number of ways you can do this. One is to sign up on our website. There’s a quick and easy form to fill in asking a little bit about you. Complete the form and we’ll be in touch to find the best course for you. We’ll help you find the best time and venue to suit you.
Another option is to speak to your doctor. We work closely with GP surgeries across Sheffield. Your doctor will put you in touch with us and we can help find the best course for you.
Tell me about courses for children and families
Our Families course runs for 90 minutes and includes games like dodgeball. The emphasis is on having fun. In the classroom children take part in simple question and answer sessions helping them understand food and how it affects the body.
I am nervous and self-conscious about my weight, is there an option for online sessions?
Don’t worry we do online sessions via Zoom for those who prefer the comfort of their own surroundings. Our trained practitioners will help you pick a suitable course and help you feel comfortable whatever option you choose.
Do sessions involve physical exercise?
Our families programme offers physical activity as part of the offer, this includes playing fun games such as dodgeball. We don’t offer physical activity as part of our adult offer but if you are interested in being more physically active please speak to a member of our team and we will be happy to signpost you to suitable activities.
Are venues accessible?
We aim to provide accessible venues for everyone. Most of the venues we use provide ramped access for wheel chair access. If additional assistance is needed, please let us know and we will be able to help direct you to the most suitable venue near you.
How can it be free?
We’re funded by Sheffield City Council to deliver Tier 2 Weight Management Services to people living in the city with a higher than average body mass index (BMI).
Being funded allows us to concentrate all our efforts on delivering results to those who need help most. We don’t answer to shareholders or need to make profits. We measure our results on the success of our courses – improving people’s health and wellbeing and ultimately helping them lose weight and live happier lives.
How does it work?
We use an NHS recognised 12-week programme designed to help you better manage your weight through a series of dedicated sessions. Each week you will learn a new topic. There’s no pressure and our programmes are designed to be flexible to help you with your busy life. Our courses are available mornings, afternoons and evenings at venues across the city.
How long do sessions last?
Our sessions run for 60 to 90 minutes depending the course.
How big are classes?
We keep our classes small to help you mingle and make friends more easily. Everyone gets to ask questions an feel a part of the group. Many people go on to develop firm friendships.
What are adult courses like?
Our Adult programmes teach you how to better control your eating habits. You’ll discover how important portion sizes can be and how nutritional advice will help you plan better. We’ll also help you decode confusing food labelling and avoid the trap of emotional eating. You will also learn about movement and how simple physical exercise like walking can really impact your weight loss goals.
Do I have to travel far?
Our courses are based across Sheffield so we hope there is a course near you. Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
What happens when my course finishes?
Once you’ve completed the course your practitioner will be in touch to see how you’re getting on with a friendly follow upcall at 6 months and 12 months. We’re always there for our clients. We know weight management takes commitment so you can always call on us for advice or even do a course again.
