Local weight-loss expert backs government campaign to ask Ballymoney '˜How are You?'

Slimming World are partners in Public Health England’s new One You campaign, which aims to support adults to make simple changes towards a healthier and happier life, and provide the tools, motivational support and encouragement every step of the way.

Suzi Blair, who runs a Slimming World in Stranocum, said: “One You is about helping adults take time out of their busy lives to think about their own health and wellbeing. As we all know at Slimming World, taking the time to pause and reflect and spend a little ‘me time’ is good for you! Because, after all, there is only one you - and it’s never too late to start making small changes. A few new healthy habits could be all it takes to live a longer, healthier and happier life.”

Suzi says that the government’s renewed focus on public health has never been more vital as around one in four (25%) adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. “As well as the serious physical health conditions obesity can lead to – from diabetes and raised blood pressure to the increased risk of heart disease and cancer – people who struggle with their weight often experience low confidence, poor self-esteem and mental ill-health.

“At Slimming World our members know how much energy and confidence losing weight gives them and they also enjoy the hidden benefits, like fewer aches and pains, lower risk of illness and improved sleep. Many of our members reduce how much they drink too.

“One You is a perfect fit for Slimming World. We know that making healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and becoming more active, can have a huge impact on your health right away. It also helps raise self-esteem and self-confidence by helping people to feel more in control of their own lives. Plus these behaviours can be passed on to the whole family, meaning the next generation grows up with healthy habits too.”

It’s really easy to get involved with One You. There is a link from Slimming World’s website to the ‘How are You?’ free quiz – a quick and easy quiz to help people recognise the things they can do to improve their health in the long term, from eating well to moving more or being smoke free to drinking less.

Suzi adds: “While being a healthy weight is an important part of ensuring that every adult enjoys a long and healthy life, it is of course not the only aspect of health that we need to think about – quitting smoking, reducing the amount that we drink, sleeping better and being more active are all essential to great health and wellbeing.

“Each week members are losing weight beautifully in the Stranocum Slimming World group and there are hundreds of people across Ballymoney who have changed their lives with Slimming World. Yet there are still so many more we could help and now is a perfect time!”

To celebrate its new partnership with Public Health England, Slimming World is offering free membership (saving £10/€18) when new members sign up for a 12-week Countdown (12 weeks for the price of 10) between 7 March and 29 May 2016 to tie in with the campaign.

To join the Stranocum Slimming World group simply pop along every Tuesday at 9:30am & 7:30pm at Stranocum Community Centre or call Suzi on 07999665620. For more information about Slimming World and One You visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk