Scheme helps couples live a healthier life

Two couples say they’re thrilled after losing over eight stone in total by taking part in a free weight management programme at their local pharmacies.

And now Lincolnshire Co-op is calling for more people to join the programme who are looking to shed some extra festive pounds.

The 12-week plan enables people to lose weight steadily and safely with the help of Health Champions at Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies. The Health Champions support participants with calorie information, weekly weigh-ins and moral support.

It's easy to join. Simply pop in to your local Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacy and ask about the programme – you can even start then and there!

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Head of Pharmacy Alastair Farquhar said: “This is a free programme that’s not just about losing excess weight – it’s all about helping you feel healthy and learning good habits for life.

“Our friendly colleagues are always happy to offer advice, and our pharmacies are well-equipped with space for one-to-one support and weigh-ins, so why not pop and start with a simple chat?”

The Ewins, Swineshead

Stuart Ewins and his wife Susan (above) have lost four stone together since signing up for the programme last Christmas. They joined at Lincolnshire Co-op’s Swineshead Pharmacy after seeing an advert there.  

 “We decided to join because we had always been talking about losing weight but never got around to it. Once we saw the poster in our pharmacy it gave us that push to go for it,” said Susan.

“If you’re looking to lose weight forget about these trendy weight loss places and just come to your local Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacy. You just need to follow the fact sheets, get the support from staff and you’ll definitely lose weight.” 

Stuart was nearly 19 stone but has lost an amazing three stone and eight pounds - equivalent to 24 bags of sugar. 

“I was getting rather big and I said that come the new year we’d give it a go. I had a lot of bad chest and knee pains and I was seeing the doctor regularly. After doing the programme I’ve only seen the doctor for a couple of routine checks,” he said. 

“Our experience on the programme has been great and the support from the staff has been amazing. If we hadn’t lost weight one week we get encouragement to keep going and you’re never made to feel upset.

“Shedding the weight has made me feel a lot fitter and I’ve been able to go at my own pace and not be pressured.” added Stuart.

Learn more about their story below...

The Newmans, Heckington

Juanita and John Newman (below) dropped nearly two stone each when they joined the programme at Lincolnshire Co-op’s Heckington Pharmacy in January 2018. 

The couple have gone on to lose another stone each since finishing the programme and they still say hello to the staff in the pharmacy on a regular basis.

“It’s one to one support and we always have a laugh with the Health Champions. They’re kind and never judge you. Even if you have bad weeks you’re never made to feel disappointed,” said Juanita.

“It’s just like meeting a close friend. We have no more achy knees and I no longer have signs of diabetes – it’s been great! 

“It’s hassle-free and more like a chat with a friend. They weigh us, check our BMI and we’re given helpful tips and advice each week.” added John.