A DIET scheme that has helped hundreds of people lose a life-changing amount of weight is being extended across Scotland.

A DIET scheme that has helped hundreds of people lose a life-changing amount of weight is being extended across Scotland.

It's part of a £15million plan to tackle obesity.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has promised to introduce Counterweight across Scotland after it proved a success among people at risk from heart disease and diabetes in Lanarkshire.

The move is part of a new £40m investment in healthier lifestyles announced yesterday.

The minister told MSPs £15m would be spent over the next three years specifically on helping dangerously overweight patients.

She said: "Obesity is one of the biggest threats to our nation's health. That's why we will make tackling it, particularly in early years, a key priority."

The funding will also support schemes that encourage people of all ages to maintain a healthy weight through exercise and watching what they eat.

Pre-school children and expectant mothers will be offered free fruit to improve diet.

Patients in the Counterweight scheme get a series of appointments with a specially-trained practice nurse or auxiliary, supervised by a dietician.

Weight management adviser Marney Quinn said: "One in seven people referred to us lose at least 5% of their body weight within a year."

Successful patients lose enough weight to cut blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lowering their risk of a heart attack, stroke or cancer.

An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokeswoman welcomed the new funding announced by Ms Sturgeon and said tackling obesity was a key priority for the board.