A PROJECT set up to tackle obesity in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland has been successful in helping patients lose weight.

A PROJECT set up to tackle obesity in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland has been successful in helping patients lose weight.

The scheme, known as Counterweight, has also led to cash savings for the NHS because the patients now need fewer appointments with their GPs.

NHS Lanarkshire, which helped pilot the project last year, said it had been so successful that 400 more people had been introduced to it since October.

A spokesman for the Trust said that, during the pilot, 40% of those who took part lost 5% of their body weight in a year.

Marney Quinn, specialist obesity dietician for Counterweight in Lanarkshire, said: "Although the health economic outcomes are not published, it is very cost effective.

"We know that the person who is clinically obese attends their GP and their practice nurse more often and takes more prescriptions. If you address their obesity the number of appointments with GPs and practice nurses all reduces."

Counterweight chairman Professor Iain Broom said: "There is an argument that in the longer term it is cheaper to start doing something with patients who are willing to take part."

Dr Colin Waine of the National Obesity Forum said the cost of not tackling obesity would mean rising bills for the health service.

He said: "If you can get people to lose 5-10% body weight, that is likely to be repaid in the long term."

Data showing the economic benefits of Counterweight has been passed to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which produces guidance on treatments.