Celebrating the achievements of the Shape your Weight Programme
A special festive celebration was organised by the Trust’s health trainers in Wakefield earlier this month to recognise the achievements of those who have taken part in the Shape your Weight programme over the last 12 months.
Over 30 people attended the two events at Castleford and Normanton District hospital and St George’s centre in Lupset. During the event the achievements of those who had completed the 8 week programme this year were highlighted and some handy hints for maintaining their good efforts over the festive period were also shared.
The Trust’s cook and eat team also ran a demonstration to showcase easy healthy alternatives that people can enjoy in place of the traditional festive treats.
Tommy Turtle, who started the programme in April this year also shared his personal story of the journey he has taken since starting the programme and the difficulties, barriers and ultimate successes that he has experienced.
Tommy said, “I began my weight loss journey in February this year and my target was to loose nine stones in 12 months, as at this time my weight had reached 20stone, 4lbs. I knew that there would be hard times along the way to reaching my goal and that it wouldn’t happen over night, however with the support of Sue, the health trainer who ran my programme and by setting myself realistic targets that I could achieve, I am well on the way to achieving my goal.
“I have lost on average 2.79lbs per week and although I can now see light at the end of the tunnel, I won’t relax until my target has been achieved.”
Shape your Weight is a weight management programme for individuals aged 16 and over, registered with a GP in the Wakefield area, who have a BMI of 30 or over. Those who are referred to the programme are invited to attend either one to one or group sessions, over an 8 week period, which are run by a health trainer.
During the programme the health trainers will provide people with information and guidance on a number of topics including setting realistic goals for weight loss, completing food diaries, understanding the eatwell plate, food labelling, portion size and the importance of behaviour change.
A range of interventions are offered as part of the programme, depending on individuals needs. The health trainers will help people learn more about these and put them in to practice so they can achieve their goal of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
Natasha Pawson, health trainer said, “We are really pleased with how well the Shape your Weight programme has been running over the last 12 months and the commitment that those on the programme have shown to it. Since January, a collective 1,136kg have been lost by those on the programme! This is a great achievement!
“We will be starting the programme again in the New Year and I know our team is looking forward to working with people to help them set realistic personal goals so they can make positive lifestyle changes and maintain these in the future.”
For more information about the programme, or the help that health trainers could offer you, contact the team on 01977 665717