RIO is a unique and specialist centre which provides help and support for both adults and children, registered with a Rotherham GP, to reduce and maintain weight loss.

The services offered at RIO include a gym, cooking classes and a resource centre, providing specialist support for overweight and obese people who have been referred by health professionals.

RIO takes a multidisciplinary team approach to weight loss by providing a wealth of specialists including obesity specialist nurses, specialist dietitians, talking therapists, an exercise therapist and a general practitioner with a specialist interest in obesity. Its overall aim is to identify problems and put together an appropriate individualized plan to maximize their chances of weight loss.

The centre, which is part of Clifton Lane Medical Centre, was opened on 6th November 2009 by Professor David Haslam, chairman of the National Obesity Forum.

In the past 12 months over 1,800 adults and children have been seen at RIO and many are achieving their goal of losing weight and maintaining their weight loss. 

To mark the anniversary invitations have been sent out to GPs, pharmacists and other health care professionals who have referred patients into the service, to have a look around receive a free health check.

Dr Matthew Capehorn, Clinical Manager at RIO, said: “Our first year has been extremely successful. We have helped a significant number of people to lose weight and to maintain their weight loss.  

“Obesity is a growing problem amongst all ages of the population with around two thirds of all adults and nearly one third of children are overweight or obese.  In Rotherham we are leading the way in tackling the issue. However, we recognise that there is no quick fix and that it may take some years before the trends can be reversed, but with good advice, intervention and treatment we hope to raise awareness and understanding of the health dangers associated with obesity and engage the public with our Weight Management Strategy.”

Patients who are worried about their weight should visit their GP to be referred into RIO or can self-refer to the other services.  Services are free and are available to people registered with a Rotherham GP.

One in three children and 60% of the adult population in Rotherham are classified as overweight or obese. NHS Rotherham has invested £3.5 million over a three year period in a four tier-programme to tackle this serious problem.