If you have more than a stone to lose, then ‘Healthy Weighs’ is the programme for you – and for the first time, residents across the Western Isles chain can access Healthy Weighs with NHSWI Healthy Weight Practitioners Monica MacLeod in place to cover Uists and Barra and Laura MacLeod in Lewis and Harris.

Monica and Laura will be delivering ‘Healthy Weighs’ registration sessions, open to anyone interested, in various community locations across the islands.  These will be followed by monthly meetings through which participants have the opportunity to ask questions and hear tips towards achieving a healthier weight, as well as having their weight taken.  Participants also receive a starter pack, weekly motivational texts with the option to text their weekly weight, and access to electronic resources such as fact-sheets and video clips.

Lewis & Harris – Healthy Weighs registration sessions will be held in Lewis and Harris with Laura on:

• Monday 18th February, 1-2pm – Stornoway: Ionad Spors Leodhais Dance Studio.
• Monday 18th February, 7-8pm – Shawbost: Shawbost School
• Tuesday 19th February, 7.30-8.30pm – Point: Sgoil an Rubha
• Wednesday 20th February, 7-8pm – Stornoway: Ionad Spors Leodhais Dance Studio
• Thursday 21st February, 6-7pm – Ness: Spors Nis
• Tuesday 26th February, 6-7pm – Harris: Sir E Scott School, Tarbert
• Wednesday 27th February, 7-8pm – Back: Back Recreation Centre, Coll
• Thursday 28th February, 7-8pm – Lochs: North Lochs Community Centre, Leurbost

Uists & Barra – Healthy Weighs registration sessions will be held in Uists/Barra with Monica on:

• Thursday 21st February, 12-2pm – Benbecula: Balivanich Clinic
• Friday 22nd February, 12-2pm – South Uist: Southend Hall, Daliburgh
• Monday 25th February, 4.30-6.30pm – Barra: Children’s Centre, Castlebay

“It’s really exciting to have representation in the Uists and Barra,” said Monica, who is based in Barra but will be travelling to venues in Benbecula and South Uist to deliver ‘Healthy Weighs’.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people and families and having the opportunity to make a real difference in their lives,” she continued. “Our weight can impact so much on our wellbeing and we’re here to help people become more fit and active and to enjoy life.”

The ‘Healthy Weighs’ programme follows from feedback received by participants in NHSWI’s 2017 weight management campaign ‘It Takes 3’.

Laura said: “People who joined us in 2017 achieved some very positive results and many asked for more meetings when the programme finished, so we have listened to this feedback to develop ‘Healthy Weighs’ and we are both genuinely excited to get this started.

“We are offering a supportive and non-judgemental service to provide people with a healthy approach to weight loss; and we are both looking forward to welcoming participants to our friendly and informal meetings.”

To find out more about ‘Healthy Weighs’, please contact your local Healthy Weight Practitioner:
Lewis & Harris: Laura Macleod, Tel: 01851 762023 / Email: laura.macleod2@nhs.net
Uist & Barra: Monica MacLeod, Tel: 07971146855 / Email: monica.macleod@nhs.net