Being physically active and eating a healthy balanced diet are important for not only our physical health but are also a great way to boost our emotional and mental wellbeing.
To support those who wish to lead a healthier lifestyle, including NHS Lanarkshire employees, there’s a free, community adult weight management group, Weigh to Go; held in partnership with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture and North Lanarkshire Council.
Rutherglen resident, Linus Gunn, has lost a staggering four stone by attending NHS Lanarkshire’s Weigh to Go programme, which is open to all Lanarkshire residents aged 16+ within various North and South Lanarkshire Leisure Centres.
Linus Gunn, aged 24, has noticed incredible results since beginning the programme in Summer 2021, with not only weight loss but a new, healthier lifestyle. Linus said: “I went to my GP with concerns about my weight, and she was really helpful and understanding, subsequently referring me to Weigh to Go.
“Due to the pandemic, I joined the online class where I was able to learn about making healthy eating habits and exercise at home. Then as services re-opened I went to the classes at my local leisure centre as well.
“I was really nervous before attending my first class, but the lessons were really relaxed and informative, my instructor couldn’t have been more helpful. I’ve learned so much about how to manage my nutrition, especially understanding food labels and how to exercise.
“Before joining the programme, I was too self-conscious to go to the gym so I had never been, but the gym staff are so helpful and I now have the confidence to go regularly and feel confident to carry out my exercises and use the machines.
“I’m so proud of myself for losing four stone, but I’m also really happy with my new positive lifestyle changes, motivation and wellbeing.”
Each Weigh to Go class is led by a qualified instructor, and consists of a 45 minute healthy eating and lifestyle interactive chat, followed by 45 minutes of a low impact exercise class, and is open to anyone who wishes to join.
Martin Webb, Lanarkshire Weight Management Service team leader, at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Weigh to Go is a great chance to continue to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
“Hearing stories such as Linus’s is really inspiring and I’m so proud of his progress with the programme, not only because of his weight loss but his new confidence to attend the gym and the positive health and wellbeing changes he’s made in his life.
“I would urge anyone thinking of making any healthy changes to give Weigh to Go a try. The programme incorporates both an education and physical activity element tailored to suit all fitness levels.
“Lanarkshire residents are welcome to come along to be supported on their journey to eat healthier and become more physically active.”
Scott Crone, health development officer, South Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the progress and changes Linus has made, and can’t congratulate him enough on his hard work and dedication to creating healthy habits.
“Our popular, Weigh to Go classes are available for residents to take part and receive advice on living an overall healthier, balanced lifestyle, including exercise.”
Melanie Menzies, health and wellbeing manager, North Lanarkshire Council, commented:
“Being physically active and eating a healthy balanced diet are important for our physical health, as well as a great way to boost our emotional and mental wellbeing.
“Each week covers different health and wellbeing topics and how attendees can implement these into their current lifestyle.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming all attendees who wish to join.”
If you’re interested in registering or finding out more information, contact:
Culture and Leisure North Lanarkshire – Menziesmel@northlan.gov.uk
South Lanarkshire Leisure – scott.crone@southlanarkshireleisure.co.uk
