Dundrum woman Patricia in weight loss programme

Dundrum woman Patricia in weight loss programme

17 April 2024

A LOCAL woman has praised an adult weight management programme which has helped her lose five per cent of her body weight.

Dundrum’s Patricia Brennan said the South Eastern Trust programme has provided her with a much-needed kick to get healthier and make progress on the road to a new way of living.

Delighted with how she has done so far, Patricia said the 12-week Momenta course is helping her and others.

“I’m delighted with how I have done so far,” she said, explaining she is halfway through the programme.

The adult weight behavioural change programme has been designed for people who are overweight and in need of support to improve their physical and mental health. It aims to empower, educate, provide tools and support to those who sign up to the programme.

Patricia said the group aspect of the programme is extremely supportive.

She continued: “I have found that coming together as a group is really good. 

“You hear how everyone is doing and how they have the same ups and downs as yourself. I find that the programme facilitators talk about easy, sensible steps and that the basic thing is to eat – don’t fast and don’t skip a meal.”

Patricia said that through the programme she has lost five per cent of her body weight and six weeks in feels better in herself.

She added: “I needed that kickstart and this is a new way of living. I’m delighted with how I have done so far.”

The health trust’s early treatment centre facilitator, Leanne Oakes, said people can self-refer for the programme or be referred by your GP. 

“Once accepted, the service user is invited to an introductory session to find out if this programme is for them and over the 12 weeks we cover a range of topics. This is not a diet, it’s a programme with other people to learn different tips on how to eat the foods which will make you feel better physically and mentally.”

Leanne said weight has a detrimental effect on everyone.

“It’s not easy to lose weight or maintain your weight and it is important to have a healthy weight in terms of prevention of illness and for your energy levels,” she continued. 

“The programme is a learning tool on how we can keep ourselves as healthy as possible for as long as possible.”

Roberta Stevenson who was accepted onto the programme described how much better she feels.

“I have loved the programme,” she said.

“I am a person who has battled with my weight my whole life. I have tried various things and when I came to the Momenta programme I thought I was going to be handed a diet plan and it is not like that at all.

“We have learned different strategies, how to keep a food diary and how to read food labels when shopping. I have got so much from it and feel better and I’m walking more every day.”

Judy Bingham, the health trust’s senior social work practitioner, explained that a major plus of the programme is the “good friendships” that have been formed by participants.

“The basis of this programme is to encourage a better knowledge and understanding of living better and those taking part get a lot of peer support from each other,” she said.

“We have had extremely positive feedback in that those who have taken part and who may have been at risk of developing Type Two Diabetes are no longer at risk. Aches and pains have improved and it’s very much a win win for those who take part.”

Judy added: “We have been very encouraged as we have seen firm friendships formed and service users going out walking together, increasing their exercise levels and ultimately eating better.”

More information about the weight management programme is available from Leanne Oakes on 07890 022499 or email Leanne.Oakes@setrust.hscni.net. Alternatively, visit adultweightmanagementservice@setrust.hscni.net