"Weight Management Programme"

I have recently reached the 12 week point in the programme run in conjunction with the Active Forth. Firstly this was a commitment I wasn’t sure I’d be able to embrace or get involved in. 

My weight is something that I have struggled with throughout my life, from being too thin and obsessed over it to being wholly in the other direction. 

My fears and concerns were allayed throughout the process with ongoing support from both the services but also from peer support.

We started as a big group and I’m pleased to say we ended the initial phase as a big group. Which isn’t something that always happens. This was made possible by the dedication and input of your teams. People get involved for lots of reasons and those are welcomed.

The team made themselves available when needed and extended additional support if this was needed. This is an invaluable resource and one which needs to continue into the future. 

It was clear that members of the group would welcome more continued support in between the period between the end of the 12 initial weeks and the next check in at 6months. 

We all appreciate that there is a limited resource but also understand the longer term benefits to the NHS with less hospital admissions related to obesity by reducing weight and committing to a sustainable programme. 

The use of the app was one which received mixed reviews. This was around the use of functions which are not currently available under the current user application. It would be interesting to see what the benefits would be in time, money and resource if the current offering was extended to set up the NHS dietitian staff with access to be able to fulfill the position of coach/mentor within this. 

It would give that resource and highlight areas to be worked on or that may cause alarm at the earliest possible opportunity. It would allow the use of this tool to its full potential. 

It may be that a multi user license could be purchased to give that access and then transfer that across staff as needed. Allowing full engagement and understanding of some of the limits to successful changes to lifestyle choices and to helping set up participants with the best chance of success.

This is a vital provision and one that needs to continue with the ever growing levels of obesity. To give the empowerment for those who need to make positive changes. Knowing that someone is there to help and encourage you to succeed. 

This is a resource that deserves to be prioritised and offered to future participants. Keep up the vital work and continue to support those who truly need the intervention and encouragement to succeed.