What we're hearing about weight management support - June 2026
In 2022/23 an estimated 58% of adults in Surrey were classified as overweight or obese (Healthy Surrey). Whilst this is lower than the England average at that time of 64%, this represented an increase on the previous 5 years.
Surrey mirrors national data with black minoritised ethnic groups having the highest rates of excess weight and white British following closely behind.
We talked to people at weight management groups, leisure centres and minoritised ethnic community groups in Surrey Heath, Surrey Downs, East Surrey and North West Surrey. As well as hearing about their experiences we also helped people to work out their BMI (Body Mass Index) and understand its meaning and provide signposting to weight management support.
Key findings
Some of the key findings from the report are:
- People’s primary concern is reducing their risk of heart disease but some did not realise the correlation between weight and specific health conditions.
- People’s motivation changes over time, from concern over appearance to concern to stay healthy for others they care about and for.
- There is a strong psychological and emotional relationship with weight management support, often rooted in childhood and lasting throughout life.
"I think that there needs to be better education around the use of weight loss medication and the potential effects it can have so people can make an informed choice. I also feel that there needs to be a more holistic approach to weight management, looking at people’s circumstances, their mental health and their physical health to make a meaningful change."
