TV Presenter, Dr Hilary Jones, Actress Denise Welch and Harlow MP Robert Halfon, helped launch LighterLife’s partnership with Stroke Association, at an open day at LighterLife’s Central Office.

LighterLife will make a donation of £1 for every pound in weight that new Harlow clients lose from 1st February to 1st May.

The leading weight-management company, who have been campaigning for fresh and intelligent thinking around the UKs obesity crisis since the eighties, is particularly keen to help local people after a recent study revealed that 66% per cent of Harlow’s residents are overweight or obese.

The funds raised will go to the Stroke Association to support those who have had a stroke, and help prevent the condition among others through better health choices. High blood pressure, caused through obesity, is a high risk factor for strokes.

Dozens of Harlow residents and their families flocked to the open day where they sampled nutritious meals, bars and shakes; and discovered a range of CBT techniques to help prevent mindless eating and encourage positive lifestyle changes.

MP Robert Halfon said: “I am proud to have LighterLife in Harlow. They are a great local employer who also care passionately about our community. I congratulate them on all of the work that they do to raise funds for charity.”

LighterLife Founder Bar Hewlett, said: “We have been pioneering a new approach to obesity, as we know it’s not about what you put on your plate, but what’s going on in your mind. People overeat because of a range of emotions, including boredom, frustration, and anger. How many of us – of any weight – can say we have not turned to the biscuit tin in a moment of weakness?

“It’s tragic that so many residents are battling with obesity and we are here to help. Nobody’s life should be compromised by obesity, which can feel terribly isolating. This initiative has been created to help people to lose weight, improve their overall well-being and support a worthwhile cause at the same time.”

“In light of the increasing evidence linking strokes with obesity, I’m also delighted to announce our new partnership with the Stroke Association. They are a really worthwhile charity, which works hard to reduce the risk and impact of this devastating condition – helping those affected by strokes along with their families.”
LighterLife was formed as a result of real women’s experiences of overeating and obesity. Established over 25 years ago, the company combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Transactional Analysis in parallel with effective weight loss. This enables clients to understand more about their relationship with food, so after they lose the weight, they keep it off.

Jim Swindells, Director of Fundraising at the Stroke Association, said: “The charity is honoured to be partnering with LighterLife to raise more awareness about how strokes can be prevented, and to support those who are living with the condition’s devastating impact. Stroke is the second largest cause of death in the world, and in the UK someone has a stroke every three and a half minutes. Yet we know that if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and having their blood pressure checked, many of these strokes could be prevented. By joining forces with LighterLife we hope to help even more people make those vital lifestyle changes and take control of their health.”