Kev's motivation for weight loss brings new belief and better mobility
Kev Garthwaite entered the Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) Eatwise programme for support in losing weight for an operation. What happened next was a journey of increasing belief, weight loss, and a return to a more active lifestyle.
Struggling with knee problems and with an operation on the horizon, Kev was referred to WBFL by his GP. His walking was restricted, and with this, he began to put on weight. From here he joined the 12-session group programme and met Sharon Milner, Wellbeing Practitioner at WBFL.
Kev was initially sceptical about Eatwise. He admits that at session one he thought it would not work for him. However, he came back, and as Sharon worked with through the topics the programme covers, this all changed.
As the sessions went by Kev made changes to his diet. He stopped eating high fat foods, stopped eating pies, and swapped these for some of WBFL’s own recipes – which he thoroughly enjoyed. It was the support and advice on portion sizes, particularly, where Kev found great benefit. “I learned so much, especially that week,” Kev said.
Eatwise supports clients to make lifestyle changes through education. This covers food contents, tips for cost-effective shopping, physical activity, and much more. The programme is designed for these habits to last long after the final session. Clients can access the programme both in-person at community venues and online through Virtual Eatwise.
The group sessions with Sharon not only helped Kev find support in changing his eating habits, but they improved his mental wellbeing too. Kev had always been very active at work and in his personal life. With his knee problems limiting his mobility, it was tough for him mentally. This led to him using alcohol at times as a stress release.
After working through the alcohol awareness session of the programme, where he learned the sugar content and number of calories in drinks, he decided to stop this altogether. His weight steadily came down every week, and with this, his confidence and belief grew. He was walking further day by day due to less pressure on his joints.
Kev was extremely motivated and dedicated to succeeding with his weight loss goals. Even with the pain his knee would cause, he stuck with it.
“I cannot thank Sharon enough, Kev said. “If I can do it, anyone can. I enjoy my food and cooking so much more. I feel better and I can wear clothes I have not worn in a long time.”
Speaking of Kev’s success in the programme, Sharon said: “Kev has been a pleasure to work with. He enjoyed the education and accepted the changes he needed to make. He encouraged his peers in the group and is proof that making small positive, healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly improve your overall health and wellbeing. Well done, Kev!”
By the end of session 12, Kev had lost a fantastic 10kg. Still motivated and wanting to continue his weight loss journey, he sees Sharon and the team for weigh-ins and is gradually losing more weight.
Wellbeing for Life is part of Adult Wellbeing Services, delivered in partnership by Pioneering Care Partnership and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
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