Overweight patients in parts of Suffolk can now get an unusual prescription from their doctor - 12 free sessions at a slimming club.
The sessions are being funded by five Suffolk East Primary Care Trusts (PCT), and it is hoped each trust will save £3.5m a year by combating obesity.
Under the scheme, the patient is given a voucher for a Slimming World meeting close to where they live.
So far, 17 GP practices in east Suffolk have taken up the offer.
Norman Foster, acting consultant in the public health team with Suffolk East PCTs, said the initiative had been offered to practices after successful schemes piloted by Stow Health and Combs Ford surgeries in Stowmarket.
Economic sense
He said: "People who are seriously overweight are more likely to have illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes and are less likely to reach old age."
He added the venture made economic sense for the NHS as the estimated cost of the consequences of obesity was £3.5m for each PCT - £17.5m a year across Suffolk.
Suffolk East PCTs say they are talking to other commercial organisations with a view to offering patients a choice.
Sue and Brian Evans were referred to Slimming World by their GP for 12 weeks in February 2004.
Mrs Evans weighed 21 stone (133kg) and her husband nearly 19 stone (121kg), and over the 12 weeks they both lost two stone (13kg).
"Slimming on referral is brilliant," she said.
"It's not a diet. It's not a quick fix. It is a way of life for us. When we were referred the time was right, we were in the right frame of mind."
The couple now go to the gym and now very rarely visit their GP.
"In fact the last time I went to the doctor, they didn't recognise me," said Mrs Evans.
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