Amazing 38kg of weight lost in Mid Ulster healthy lifestyle programme

A 12 week healthy lifestyle programme delivered by Healthy Lives Mid Ulster, has seen eight local participants lose an astonishing 35KG of weight and 114cms of waist loss between them.
Pictured with Catherine McKenna and Raisa Donnelly, Councils Health Support Officers, are participants Rita Orr, Gary Muldoon, Ivan Hardy and David BeattiePictured with Catherine McKenna and Raisa Donnelly, Councils Health Support Officers, are participants Rita Orr, Gary Muldoon, Ivan Hardy and David Beattie
Pictured with Catherine McKenna and Raisa Donnelly, Councils Health Support Officers, are participants Rita Orr, Gary Muldoon, Ivan Hardy and David Beattie

The Small Steps to Healthy Choices initiative, which was run in partnership by Mid Ulster District Council, the Northern Obesity Partnership, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Coagh Pharmacy and Coagh Medical Centre, was delivered by the Council’s Make a Change Officers alongside the local pharmacist in the GP practice in Coagh.

Patients with chronic conditions were referred by their GP to participate in the 12 week programme which delivered key messages on healthy eating, cooking skills, portion size, reading food labels correctly, increasing daily physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour.

All eight participants were successful in making positive lifestyle changes and losing weight.

As a result the model is now being shared through the Northern Area.

Chair of the Environment Committee, Councillor Christine McFlynn, feels the programme is an extremely worthwhile one.

“It is fantastic to hear the great results the 8 participants had after completing this 12 week programme,” she said.

“To have made such an improvement to their health and lifestyle in such a short space of time is truly inspirational and is a testament to the programme and the hard work and dedication of those involved.”

Local GP Dr Dalzelle said she hoped all people could avail of the programme.

“I have received very positive feedback from all the programme participants. All have lost weight and feel generally better. I would like to see the programme being made available for all suitable patients in the Mid Ulster area.”

Speaking about their experience of the programme, one participant said, “I didn’t want to start this programme but I’m really glad I did. All of the pieces of information and the help and encouragement from the group has been a great help and kept me motivated.”

For more information contact the Council’s Health Support Officers in the Environmental Health Service on 03000 132 132.