Exmouth course offers cash prize and promotes healthier lifestyle and weightloss

A NEW course is being held in Exmouth to encourage people who are overweight to adopt a healthier lifestyle - with a cash prize up for grabs for the largest weight loss.

A NEW course is being held in Exmouth to encourage people who are overweight to adopt a healthier lifestyle - with a cash prize up for grabs for the largest weight loss.

The East Devon District Council scheme begins on Monday June 8 for 12 weeks at the Bidmead Community Centre, in Littleham.

Local personal wellness coach Shelley Kitchen will oversee the course and the person who loses the most weight will win up to �300.

The course is being run in partnership with the government's 'Change4Life' initiative - a series of community weight loss challenges being held in East Devon and across the UK.

Over the 12-week programme the organisers will offer advice on protein, healthy meals, water, metabolism, exercise, and eating out.

Those taking part will be able to take away printed information to refer to at home.

The aim is to look after and support everyone who joins the group, regardless of their chosen weight-loss method with the emphasis on healthy eating.

Councillor Jill Elson, EDDC's portfolio holder communities, said: "I am all in favour of encouraging a healthy lifestyle and I wish the organisers of these courses every success.

"We encourage people to exercise in our parks and sports centres but this has to be associated with healthy eating and a sensible overall lifestyle.

"Sometimes, all that people need is a bit of support and encouragement to make life-changing decisions".