How Mick found a pathway to motivation and positive change with Eatwise

Mick’s* weight was having an impact on his mental wellbeing. Concerned about how this was affecting him, he turned to support from Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) to make a change. His original lack of motivation turned into action, and through a one-to-one Eatwise programme, he gained numerous mental and physical health benefits without compromising his enjoyment of life.

To find out what he could do to lose weight, Mick visited his GP who referred him to our service. He was living with weight-related health issues, and when he was referred, his Body Mass Index (BMI) was 45.79. Mick admitted he had been struggling with maintaining motivation to lose weight, which yo-yoed over the years. Having chosen to enter Eatwise programme, Mick was placed on the waiting list for evening sessions by Tammy Parke, Community Connector. This then began a course of support working alongside Julie Stobbart, WBFL Coordinator, for 12 weeks.

“Mick’s knowledge of healthy eating and nutrition was already excellent when starting the programme, but he struggled to put this into practice and make the lifestyle changes that will help him lose weight", Julie said. It was in this where he found meaningful support; support and motivation from a practitioner that did not need to teach, but guide.

During the programme, he lost a total of 26.25 pounds (nearly two stone) and his BMI went from 46.3 to 42.6. Mick found food diaries – one of the resources provided during the course – particularly effective. They gave him accountability for his choices which he could then assess with Julie. Julie said of the changes in Mick’s behaviour: “His portion sizes reduced over the course of the sessions, and he found ways to change his choices without feeling as if he was missing out on his social life or compromising his enjoyment of life. One of his major wins within the course was being able to go to a major clothing chain and buy clothes that fit him well for the first time in many years.”

It was not only Mick’s weight that improved through Eatwise, but it led to his blood pressure dropping from a high 152/85 to a healthier level of 120/72. His mental wellbeing also has improved naturally, with him feeling “more present and feeling better in [himself]”, he relayed to Julie.

Mick has also made changes in his lifestyle, which he is now able to continue with due to the support he has received. He was dependent on crisps and ate his partners leftovers, which he no longer does. “Mick can now balance what he eats with more healthy and nutritious foods,” Julie said, and if he does fall back into previous behaviours, “he can readdress this next week.”

Speaking of this change in what he eats, Mick said: “part of my success was due to the fact I didn't have to reinvent my diet like the other weight loss programmes want you to and still felt like I was allowed to live normally.”

Mick started his weight loss journey before his work with Julie, but he feels more educated now than ever. This experience has made him keen to become active, having previously enjoyed running and cycling. “Mick intends to increase his movement within his day-to-day life and potentially go along to a gym with his partner. Something that he initially did not enjoy but as his confidence grew his opinion changed,” Julie said.

What was initially a concerning period for Mick turned into a pathway forward filled with motivation and positive changes. The Eatwise programme with WBFL has been a start for a healthier life.

*Names have been changed for confidentiality.

Wellbeing for Life is a part of Adult Wellbeing Services, delivered in partnership by Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT).