LOCAL weight loss experts have opened a pop-up shop in Festival Place to try and tackle the obesity epidemic.

The pop-up Weight Watchers venue opened on Saturday and will offer tips, competitions and giveaways based on how to develop healthier habits until this Sunday, at the venue on the lower level of the shopping centre.

Its aim is to make it easier for local residents to find out about how to make healthier lifestyle changes for the long-term, receive a free BMI (body mass index) check and benefit from one-to-one weight loss advice.

Experts are also on hand to talk about the GP Referral Scheme which is available through practices across Hampshire.

Weight Watchers leaders and successful members will be talking about their own personal experience of losing weight and leading a healthier lifestyle in the pop-up shop.

Debra Bucksey, national healthcare business development lead for Weight Watchers said: “We live in an increasingly obesogenic environment and with direct links to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, it is crucial that as a community, we act now to stem the flow of the obesity epidemic.

“Weight Watchers members in Hampshire have lost over 6,000 stone between them this year and we will be working with Festival Place businesses to show them how simple it can be, offering residents tips on healthy eating, dining out, exercise, and motivation to help Hampshire become a healthier place to live.”