The weight of an adult male polar bear (more than 60 stone) has been lost in a community initiative in Guilden Sutton.
During the past two years healthy active lifestyles have been adopted and unhealthy habits kicked into touch.
Wellness coach Su Baird said: “Education, support and encouragement are the key. A lot of people just don’t understand the basics when it comes to putting together a balanced diet, and those that do often struggle to find the time and motivation to make it happen.”
Su helped to establish a Community Weight Loss Challenge in Guilden Sutton to help residents and the wider community to achieve their weight and wellness goals. Classes include nutrition education, wellness coaching, support and community, tips and advice and weekly weigh-ins.
Some of the most impressive stories of sustained weight loss come from Guilden Sutton residents including David Baldacchino and Vanessa Pryer, both of whom have won weight loss challenges held in the village. Vanessa won the very first challenge in December 2012 after losing 26 pounds.
Vanessa said: “I joined the challenge to lose a few pounds and get fitter. Losing weight in the first week encouraged me to carry on and break a few habits.
“Prior to joining, I felt lethargic and did not have much ‘get-up and go’. Now I feel energized and am determined to keep off the pounds I have lost.”
David won the challenge in March 2014, after losing an impressive 31 pounds, and has since continued to lose a further 11 pounds - a total loss of three stone.
Brenda Davies, another weight loss challenge winner from Guilden Sutton, had such a fantastic result she was crowned the West of England Champion in the 2013 National Weight Loss Challenge Competition.
The next challenge starts on the evening of Monday, January 12. Email su.baird@btopenworld.com for details.
