National Survey for Wales 2022/23 data shows that 65% of the local population of Gwent was overweight or obese, exceeding the national average of 62%. 

Tracy Daszkiewicz, director of public health for Gwent, said: ‘Ensuring people have the tools to stay healthy helps avoid associated preventable illness such as heart attacks, stroke and high blood pressure.

‘We hope this new digital service will provide another way for people to access information to support their approaches to good health and wellbeing.'

Gro Health's multi-award-winning 12-month digital weight management programme has been developed in collaboration with NHS obesity specialists and informed by feedback from more than 20,000 service users. The programme emphasises a person-centred approach to sustainable health changes and is available in both Welsh and English.

Participants benefit from tailored educational resources, a library of more than 2,000 nutritious recipes, on-demand exercise classes and both group and one-on-one health coaching. The platform is built on a peer-reviewed behavioural change architecture designed to help individuals set and achieve personal health goals while fostering long-term healthy habits.

Charlotte Summers, chief operations officer at DDM Health, said: ‘We've built our service with local residents with a strong focus on empowering residents and removing barriers to health improvements. We are excited to launch our service in partnership with the Gwent Public Health Team and Weight Management Service at the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and eager to see the positive changes it will bring to residents across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen.'

The effectiveness of Gro Health is backed by six peer-reviewed studies, demonstrating notable outcomes such as an average 6.5% weight loss at six months, an 8% improvement in quality of life, and significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

Gwent residents can access the service through self-referral.