Improve your activity and weight management with Counterweight Core!

NHS Western Isles is set to launch the Counterweight Core healthy lifestyle programme to those living within the Outer Hebrides. 

Already proven to have helped many people successfully achieve their goals, Counterweight Core is a free one-year healthy lifestyle programme which supports individuals aged 18 years or over to eat well, get active and manage their weight for life.  

Led by the Dietetic Department's friendly Healthy Weight team, the programme involves two key stages:

Stage 1 (for 3 months) – Behaviour Change

• Fortnightly healthy eating group sessions
• Support to lose 5-10% of your body weight
• Personal goal setting and forward planning to avoid setbacks
• Physical activity support

Stage 2 (for 9 months) – Behaviour Maintenance

• Group follow up sessions every 3 months
• The opportunity to share experiences with others
• Ongoing support to maintain your weight loss
• The chance to review progresses and achievements

Karen France Macleod, NHS Western Isles Nutrition, Dietetic and Catering Services Manager, said “I am delighted that we are launching Counterweight Core across the islands.  Now that we are out of lockdown and restrictions have eased, many people are keen to make changes to get to a healthier weight, but it can be hard to do it alone.  

“People seem keen to meet together again for support and we have been asked about what is available locally, so it seems like this is the right time to start up these groups.   We know that groups aren’t for everyone so we can also support people one to one (as we have always done) but it is great to offer this new option and I hope that it will be popular.”

Group sessions will be held at community venues, but there will also be the option of a digital group, for those who prefer to participate online.

To find out more, or to request a self-referral form, telephone 01851 708279 or email: wi.dietetics@nhs.scot

However, should you feel that Counterweight Core may not be appropriate to you, the local Dietetics Department offers a range of alternative support for people still wanting to lose weight, including those who are at risk of, or living, with type 2 diabetes.  Simply contact the team at the details above to find out how they can help you.