Obesity drugs cost NHS Ayrshire and Arran a hefty 2.6million in the last decade.

But Weight Watchers success story Jim Ramage has urged more people to shape up through the pioneering referral scheme.

The Weight Watchers Gold Member lost seven stone since asking his nurse to refer him on to Weight Watchers eight months ago.

The Muirkirk man said: 'At first I was bit apprehensive about joining, especially as I was the only man in the class. But in my first week I lost 9 1/2 lbs. It was the sense of achievement that kept me going. Now I"m a Weight Watchers Gold Member.' FOR MORE SEE THE CHRONICLE APRIL 22 EDITION