By ANTHONY RADFORD
IT’S not all bad news on the obesity front, despite recent news of central Victoria’s battle with the bulge.
Last week the Bendigo Weekly revealed more than half of the region’s adults were dangerously overweight.
The Heart Foundation and state government survey revealed 58 per cent of adults were either overweight or obese, using the Body Mass Index measurements.
However, there is some good news on the weight front, with at least one local gym doing its bit to solve the problem.
For the past three or so months, 45 clients of Fernwood Bendigo have been taking part in a program called War on Waistlines, with incredible results.
Almost 2000 centimetres were lost by the participants who completed the 12 week program.
“Each week the participants met with their personal trainer and our nutritional coach, who each who provided guidance and motivation throughout the program,” club manager Linda Hain said.
“For this they were awarded points, as they were also for participating in group fitness classes or doing their own workouts.”
Measurements were taken from the waistline, bust, hips, thighs and arms, with the primary focus being on reducing waist measurements, thus decreasing health risks associated with carrying too much fat around the mid region.
“The aim for an 80-centimetre waist measurement is recommended by health agencies such as the Diabetes Foundation,” Mrs Hain said.
“We had three women who each lost over 95 centimetres in total body measurements, which is just staggering.
“There wasn’t anybody who completed the program who didn’t lose centimetres, so it was great to see everybody achieve results.”
Sue Lea, a 10-year Fernwood member, was delighted with the results she achieved during WOW.
“I didn’t even really do it to lose weight,” she said.
“I did it more to increase my motivation here, and it was sensational.
“The added bonus was that I lost over five centimetres off my waist and 10 centimetres from my lower abdomen, and I’m really feeling much fitter and healthier.”
