Healthcare charity and management company Nuffield Health is to introduce health assessment programmes at a number of its sports centres, which it operates on behalf of local authorities.

Known as a Health MOT, the 45-60 minute assessments will be available to both members of the centres and the wider community.

The MOT will measure body mass index (BMI), aerobic fitness, resting heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. Participants will receive a written report which will contribute to a personalised action plan and fitness programme.

According to a spokesperson, the scheme is part of a strategy to "roll out a portfolio of private products across our local authority clubs". Other initiatives to be added over the next two years include nutritional advice, weight loss programmes and support for diabetes sufferers.

David Mobbs, Nuffield Health's CEO, said: "Our goal is to help people coming to the community fitness centres lead healthier, happier lives by inspiring them to actively take care of their health and wellbeing.

"Our Health MOT has proved popular with over 45,000 people since they were introduced in our Wellbeing Centres in 2008. People using the local authority centres we run, will now get the chance to benefit from our experience and expertise in this area, too."

The Health MOT will be available at the Queen Mother Sports Centre in London and the Kensington Leisure Centre, London from January 2010. The Health MOT service will be launched at a number of the other Nuffield Health run Local Authority centres over the course of 2010.

Nuffield's 11 sports centres, which previously operated under the Courtneys name, were re-branded as Nuffield Health Community Fitness Centres on 1 December.