"A healthy weight can be achieved by literally making small changes in your lifestyle" according to local Heart and Stroke Charity, Croí, who recently launched a new programme in Mayo to help individuals lose and manage weight in a healthy way.

Delivered by a Croí Nutritionist over 6 weeks (1 hour per week), this new weight management programme includes expert guidance on all aspects of healthy eating, including the following topics: exploring your relationship with food; making healthy choices when shopping; understanding food labels and controlling portion sizes. During the 6-week programme each person is encouraged to keep a food diary and a weekly 'weigh-in' is also provided for those who wish to participate.

Delivered in Claremorris and Castlebar in recent weeks, this Croí Weight Management initiative is recording great success. Participants are achieving, on average, in excess of 8llbs weight loss per person, thus shedding the pounds as per the recommended weight loss guideline of 1-2 lbs per week. The programme has been very positively evaluated; with participants acknowledging that it is providing the right mix of information, support and motivation they require, in order to successfully lose weight and make lasting positive changes to their eating habits.

This Croí initiative is being rolled out in association with the on-going work of the 'Mayo Action on Heart Disease & Stroke' programme, a community-based prevention programme and partnership between Croí and Mayo PCCC, HSE West which aims to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke in Mayo.

Speaking about this initiative, Croí Nurse and Co-ordinator of the ‘Mayo Action on Heart Disease & Stroke' programme, Ailish Houlihan said "Recent research undertaken by Croí, in collaboration with the HSE revealed that almost 80% of Mayo adults are either overweight or obese. This is not unique to County Mayo, and mirrors national statistics, which are a significant concern for public health professionals."

She continued by saying "Obesity is recognised as one of the key risk factors that puts an individual at higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. This weight management programme provides an ideal opportunity to receive up-to-date nutritional advice and learn some useful tips on how to make healthier food choices, reduce weight and improve overall health."

To find out more about the ‘Croí Weight Management Programme' contact Ailish Houlihan on 094-9049172.