PHARMACISTS across Swindon are urging people to visit them for advice on shedding pounds gained over the Christmas and New Year period.
And the best advice is simply to take exercise.
Robert Townsend, pharmacist at Cooper's Chemist in the West Swindon Centre, said: "I am a great believer in non-drug treatment where it's appropriate. Exercise is proven to prevent certain illnesses.
"People need to get the message that chemists are highly qualified to give out advice.
"There is still the image that chemists simply dispense medicine after a visit to the doctor."
Mr Townsend and his fellow practitioners are backing a campaign by the national Pharmaceutical Association to encourage more people to see their local chemist's shop as a source of advice as well as just pills and medicines.
Association chief executive John D'Arcy said: "What better way to start the New Year than draw up a plan to become healthier?
"It's often difficult to know where to start and how to continue the momentum of your good work."
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