NEARLY 600 people have signed up to a Weight Watchers programme paid for by Hampshire County Council.

The council is spending more than £2 million on a programme for obese people to take slimming classes as figures reveal that 65 per cent of adults in the county are overweight or obese.

The free 12-week Weight Watchers course was offered to anyone with a Hampshire post code.

It has now been revealed that 596 people have signed up since the programme launch in October - saving them the cost of the course but costing the taxpayer £37,500.

But council health chiefs insist the outlay is preventative, as the cost of treating obese patients in Hampshire costs the NHS more than £300 million.

Cllr Patricia Stallard, council executive member for health and public health, said: “Obesity increases the risk of chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and some cancers, and significantly increases the risk of dying young.

“It’s important that we offer people the right help and support to successfully manage their weight – which will potentially save lives and improve people’s overall quality of life.

“It is encouraging to note that more than 500 Hampshire residents, to date, have signed up, and are benefiting from the scheme.”