Weight Watchers Group Loses Nearly 300 Pounds
Posted on Oct. 22, 2009
A group of 25 staff, students and faculty from Northwestern Health Sciences University have lost a combined 295 pounds since June 2009. They view their loss as a big gain.
"The group has been great for me,” says one participant from the Northwestern group. “Every week I'm re-motivated. The group of colleagues and students has a fun rapport, and our leader is energetic and good at connecting with us on a personal level. Plus, I fit into my old clothes again!"
The group support and weekly accountability are the keys to success, according to the Weight Watchers group leader, Tammy Gardner. A living example of how the Weight Watchers plan can work, Gardner lost 78 pounds in 1999, and has maintained her weight loss for 10 years. “Weight Watchers really teaches a healthy lifestyle,” says Gardner. “From teaching portion sizes, to discussing various health-related topics, we provide tools for participants to achieve their weight loss goal. And just as important, we provide the tools to help them maintain that weight.”
"I've learned so much from the Weight Watchers group and meetings,” says another Northwestern participant. “The most helpful tools have been learning about portion control, learning to write down everything I eat, and being encouraged to include oils in my diet. I've also gotten some great recipes from the meetings and from the e-Tools online."
With the holidays just around the corner, now is a great time to join the Northwestern group, as another session begins in a few weeks. Students, staff and faculty are invited to attend an informational meeting on Monday, Oct. 26 at 12:30 p.m. in Room L6.
“The best thing about Weight Watchers,” notes Gardner, “especially this time of year, is that nothing is forbidden. You can eat the foods you like and still lose weight.”
The Weight Watchers “At Work/School” Program at Northwestern is sponsored by the Employee Mind and Body Advisory Board. Session 2 will begin Nov. 9 and continue for 17 weeks. Meetings are held at 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, with private weigh-in times prior to the meeting beginning at noon. Weight Watchers e-Tools are included in the price. The cost of the 17-week session is $156.74 for students and non-employees; and $126.74 for faculty and staff, which includes a stipend from the Human Resources Department Health and Wellness fund.
The financial commitment is expected at the Oct. 26 meeting. For more information, contact Kathy Allen, associate dean, Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, at kallen@nwhealth.edu.