New NZ weight-loss programme debuts in Tauranga

GO FOR IT: Judy and Jack Yates are feeling the benefits of a funded weight management programme in the Bay. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

A funded weight-management programme has already changed the lives of more than 250 people in the Bay, with the potential for more this year.

Eight weeks into the programme, Jack and Judy Yates are already feeling the benefits - Judy is breathing more easily and Jack has more energy.

They were just two success stories of many, Central Med diabetes nurse Megan Brebner said.

Since the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (PHO) was successful in getting the pilot last December and started signing people up from 12 general practices, one man had already lost 20kg, she said.

That's all I needed, someone to give me a push in the right direction and I was away.

Judy Yates

Ten to 15 of her 32 patients had lost between five and 10kg in the past three to six months, with most of them reporting increased energy and improved basic health.

The 14 participating general practices could refer some of their most at-risk patients to the programme, giving them access to four free weight-management appointments each year, diabetes self-management groups and a healthy-cooking class.

The success of the programme came down to the organisational support, Mrs Brebner said.

"That's why groups are so successful because it gives people that support every month."

For Jack and Judy Yates, who were also referred to the cardiac clinic for eight weeks at a gym for free, it was the friendly and supportive staff who kept them going twice a week.

"I'm enjoying it," Mrs Yates said. "I should've come years ago but this is brilliant."

Every gym visit included a full health check, including blood-pressure tests and heart monitors during their cardio exercise.

Lessons in deep breathing had helped her with her life-long asthma and Mr Yates was feeling more energetic and motivated.

"Everything you need is there for you. It motivates me to keep going in. I like the surroundings, the atmosphere and the people."

The pair had decided to continue at the gym even after their eight-week funded programme was over. "That's all I needed, someone to give me a push in the right direction and I was away," Mrs Yates said.

Philippa Jones, of the Primary Health Organisation, said maintaining or achieving normal weight was important to health.

"Excess weight increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood fats, heart disease and many cancers.

"If existing disease such as Type 2 diabetes is present, blood-glucose levels will improve as a result of weight loss. Blood pressure and blood fat levels will also improve," she said.