ABSTRACT
Introducing a competitive element into the programme by offering a small prize to the team that manages to lose the most weight by the end of the 12 weeks can foster closer working between group members. Support programmes are offered, often building on services already established in the community, such as smoking cessation and couples counselling. A weight management programme was the first of these services to be developed. Many people involved were sceptical about the decision to develop a weight management programme for groups of men. The feedback from the men was extremely encouraging, with the majority describing the experience as an extremely positive one. The Camelon Centre is situated in one of the most deprived areas of Scotland – an area where attracting men to services aimed at preventing health problems had previously proved difficult. A specific style of assessment was adopted at the Centres, one which encouraged men to be fully engaged in the process.
