Onhealth launches in Newcastle

A new bariatric medical centre – Onhealth - has opened its doors in Newcastle to deliver a clinically based weight-loss programme to NHS and private clients. With 63% of England’s adults classed as overweight or obese, it’s estimated that the annual NHS spend on  overweight and obesity-related ill-health is £6.1 billion (2014/15) and responsible for around 30,000 deaths each year.

After 3 years of planning and an investment of £250,000, the innovative centre puts science and medicine at the heart of the programme. Clients under the care of Onhealth are supported by a team of HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) qualified staff comprising registered dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, GPs and sports scientists.

“The nation is in the grip of an obesity epidemic” explains Ian Scanlan, Onhealth’s Group Director. “Not only is obesity affecting the health of the nation, it’s also having an impact on the public purse. The annual spend on the treatment of obesity and diabetes is greater than the total amount spent on the police, the fire service and the judicial system. This is deeply worrying, and people are crying out for expert help to enable them to achieve sustainable weight-loss and lifestyle changes.”

That expert help comes in the form of a programme that utilises some of the most advanced technology to provide objective testing; it includes:

• Ultrasonic Body Mass Measurements
• Personalised Resting Metabolic Rate
• Blood Glucose Analysis
• Mineral and Vitamin Deficiency Analysis
• Personalised Diet and Energy Prescription (from qualified Dietitians at Spire Hospitals)
• Positive Mind Coaching (from commonwealth games sprinter and ex England rugby player)
• Physiotherapist Evaluation and Continual Assessment

Onhealth will be working closely with medical professionals from across the North East to ensure those in most need of weight-loss support gain a place on the programme with NHS funding. To launch the new centre, Onhealth are offering 100 free places (to begin in January 2019) with many of these courses being made available to people living in the most deprived areas of the North East.