By Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health, East Sussex County Council.

Almost everyone knows what a healthy lifestyle looks like. However, our busy lives and the environments in which we live, work, and play often make it hard for us to lead and sustain a healthy lifestyle, whether this be moving more, eating well, drinking less, or giving up smoking.

Obesity is a complex problem with many different but often interlinked causes. Along with smoking, obesity is among the leading risk factors for poor health. It is associated with a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, respiratory disease, diabetes, and many cancers. The NHS spends over £6 billion each year on treating overweight and diabetes related ill health.

Smoking remains the biggest cause of cancer and death, and uses a considerable amount of NHS resource. Data by Cancer Research UK has revealed that ending smoking could free up to 75,000 GP appointments each month in England.

To help local people achieve their goals to become healthier, East Sussex County Council and its Public Health department funds the One You East Sussex service. The service has recently been relaunched.

Local people will continue to benefit from free weight management and smoking cessation support as well as 1-to-1 health coaching. One You East Sussex have also teamed up with leading wellbeing providers, gloji and MAN v FAT, to offer tools and support to guide you every step of the way. These free wellness programmes give you all the tools, support, and encouragement you’ll need to start improving your health today.

One You East Sussex has already supported thousands of residents over the last 6 years. Over 90% of people using their free weight loss programmes succeed!  The service has digital, group and a weight loss plan just for men. Their male only weight management programme is fully endorsed by the FA, MAN v FAT is like no other 6 a side league out there. It combines the love of the game with weight loss! 95% of its players lose weight.

Smokers are more likely to quit with support from One You East Sussex. They use the latest science and psychology as well as free quit aids like e-cigarettes to help you crush cravings and then kick the habit for good to bring health and money saving benefits.

One You East Sussex Health Coaches take a personalised approach to boost your health and wellbeing with a plan to meet your needs. Whether you’re not sure how to improve your health and wellbeing or if you want to eat better, move more, drink less alcohol or want to boost your mental wellbeing, this service can help.

Most of the services above will be available face to face in local clinics to you or remote options are available (either online or over the phone) the choice is yours!

If you want to find out more about One You East Sussex then please go to oneyoueastsussex.org.uk

To refer yourself or others you can use the online referral form or call One You East Sussex on 01323 404600.