Biggest losers receive award

15/12/2009 | Biggest losers - receive award

Horowhenua Health Centre’ Weight Watchers group with Weight Watchers leader Anne Conlon (right).

Yesterday Horowhenua Health Centre staff received a special commendation for their entry Australasian Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards. Their outstanding weight loss achievements also contributed to MidCentral District Health Board (MDHB) winning the New Zealand Workplace of the Year.

The Horowhenua group of 26 lost a whopping 257.6kgs up to September 7 this year and feel fantastic as a result. During three 13-week programmes four members achieved their goal weights and three earned lifetime Weight Watchers’ membership.

Mutual support and a sense of humour are high on the list of factors contributing to the success of the 26 Health Centre staff who started the Weight Watchers in January. They also credit Weight Watchers’ leader, Anne Conlon for her support.

The Weight Watchers programme members are extremely proud of their biggest loser, Charge Nurse Helen Tatana, who lost a stunning 40kgs and is still losing weight.

Helen, who had been overweight for most of her life, went from size 26 to size 16 to 18.

“My weight always seemed to be more of a problem for other people than me,” she says, and looking back at photos she is surprised at her size.

Although she had difficulty leaning over her 42inch bust, to practise mouth to mouth resuscitation, and always referred overweight patients to others for advice, Helen didn’t find her weight an issue – except on holiday in Surfers Paradise where she was told she was too fat for the rides.

When she finished working towards her Masters, Helen planned to sit on the couch, crochet, read romance novels and eat chocolates. But a colleague’s invitation to join the Weight Watchers at Work programme changed all that.

As well as changing what she eats Helen has completed 5km and 10km walks, and last month, her first half-marathon. And – she’s been on all the rides at Surfers Paradise.