"Weight Loss success story through the Active Lifestyles team"

I work as a lecturer in the East Riding. I had struggled with my weight for several years but, as a professional person working in the health and beauty industry I knew what was needed to in order to lose weight, but finding the motivation to do it was something I had yet to achieve!

Last summer [2012] I was handed an info bag from the Health Central team whilst shopping in St Stephens and on further examination noticed an Acitve Lifestyles card informing me that if I was over 18 [which I most certainly was] and have a BMI of over 25 [which, sadly, I did] then I was eligible to access the 'Active Lifestyles' program. There were other options to choose from but I felt this program matched my needs at the time.

I quickly arranged a referral to the 'Active Lifestyles' team through my GP [who, at the time, knew very little about this service but hopefully he is now more aware! ] and was soon contacted by Lee Rose who is a health and well being coach working for the NHS.

My first consultation lasted about half an hour and included the inevitable weigh-in followed by an informal and painless discussion which helped Lee establish some background info regarding my eating and exercise habits. I was given a pack to use over the next two weeks which included a food diary, exercise tips, calorie counter and pedometer. Armed with this I left feeling very positive.

I returned two weeks later and hey presto had lost some weight and with Lee's none judge mental approach (when I hadn't lost weight) I soon realised he was here to help me, help myself!

Six months later and over a stone lighter I had my final appointment and left feeling I now had the motivation to go it alone and keep up the good habits Lee had help me establish. I know I will reach my target weight by this summer because I have made small changes over a long period of time so have hardly noticed I'm doing it - apart from when I get on the scales!

I would just like to thank the lady who handed me the leaflet in St Stephens last summer and Lee Rose for helping me kick some bad habits, lose weight and get my confidence back.

thank you