Mince pies, Christmas pud, turkey with all the trimmings - it's easy to put on a few pounds during December, especially one as cold and bleak as this one's been. If you need support losing those post-Christmas pounds, or have resolved to get healthier and fitter in 2011, here's a guide to local slimming and health clubs.

The best-known slimming club is probably Weight Watchers, founded in the US in 1963. Aiming to help members find and maintain a healthy body weight rather than crashing in and out of diets, the Weight Watchers approach involves a weekly meeting offering support and guidance and a simple, points-based approach to choosing healthy meals designed to fit around busy modern lifestyles.

Weight Watchers meetings offer advice and supportive group discussions as well as a weekly weigh-in. Local meetings take place at Union Church Community Centre on 143 Ferme Park Road, Crouch End on Fridays at 7pm, and Hornsey Vale Community Centre on Mayfield Road on Thursdays at 7pm. See the website for further information.

Slimming World offers a similar, group-based approach to slimming with a family-friendly eating plan and group motivation to help member meet long-term slimming and health goals. Local meetings take place at Weston Park Primary School on Denton Road on Thursdays 7pm - see the website or telephone 0207 916 9059 for further details.

The Factory Fit Club with Celebrity Fit Club winner Tina Baker promises to kickstart your new slimming and fitness regime with a personal assessment, target programme, two- hour introduction workshop and four weekly shape-up classes with exercise, advice and support. The package is free with a factory membership, or  £55 for non-members,

refundable against a gym membership if taken within three months.

Take a look at our local gym guide for more ideas on local places to shape up and get trim for 2011! Remember to consult your doctor before beginning any weight loss plan.

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