A NETWORK of GP surgeries in the Halstead area is banding together to launch a new weight loss programme after a trial saw residents lose a tonne between them.

The Colne Valley Primary Care Network, which is made up of several GP surgeries in mid Essex, has launched a free low-carb weight loss programme to help people shed the pounds.

Surgeries involved include Pump House in Earls Colne, Coggeshall and Elizabeth Courtauld Surgeries, plus Freshwell Health Centre, Hedingham Medical Centre and Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre.

The programme is available to people registered with the surgeries and is designed for people with a body mass index of at least 25 who are looking to lose weight.

It is also available to people with type two diabetes trying to put their condition into remission.

It gives the people taking part the information, skills and tips they need to adopt a low-carb lifestyle.

The course runs for six weeks and is delivered by Zoom video call.

Experienced health coach Sharon Withnell leads the programme with support from GPs.

There is also a Facebook group called the Colne Valley Low Carb Support Group which shares recipes, help and support.

Viv Hamilton, from Wethersfield, is one of the people to have tried the course.

She said: “It’s exactly a year since I decided to give low carb a go. I thought if it worked I might lose a couple of stones.

“In 12 months I’ve lost 28kg – over four stones – and I’m as slim as I was 25 years ago.

“I’m still losing weight steadily and I’m looking forward to reaching the sort of healthy body weight I had when I was in my 20s.”

The programme builds on the success of the Freshwell Low Carb Project.

In its first year, patients at the Freshwell Health Centre, in Finchingfield, reduced their weight by a collective one tonne – more than 157 stones, or the weight of a small car.

People registered with a Colne Valley PCN surgery can join the free programme by contacting Sharon Withnell on lowcarb.cvpcn@nhs.net or on Facebook

A NETWORK of GP surgeries in the Halstead area are banding together to launch an new weight loss programme after a trial saw residents lose a collective tonne.

The Colne Valley Primary Care Network, which is made up of multiple GP surgeries in mid Essex, has launched a free low-carb weight loss programme to help people shed the pounds.

Surgeries include the Pump House in Earls Colne, Coggeshall and Elizabeth Courtauld Surgeries, plus Freshwell Health Centre, Hedingham Medical Centre and Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre.

The programme is available to people registered with the surgeries and is designed for people with a body mass index of at least 25 who are looking to lose weight.

It is also available to people with Type 2 Diabetes wanting to put their condition into remission.

It gives the people taking part the information, skills and tips they need to adopt a low-carb lifestyle.

The course runs for six weeks and is delivered by Zoom video call.

Experienced health coach Sharon Withnell leads the programme with support from local GPs.

There is also a Facebook group called the “Colne Valley Low Carb Support Group” for sharing recipes, successes and finding help and support, which local people are welcome to join.

Viv Hamilton, from Wethersfield, is one of the people to have tried the course.

She said: “It's exactly a year since I decided to give low carb a go. I thought if it worked I might lose a couple of stones.

"In 12 months I’ve lost 28kg – over 4 stones – and I’m as slim as I was 25 years ago.

“I’m still losing weight steadily and I’m looking forward to reaching the sort of healthy body weight I had when I was in my 20s.

"Low carb isn't like traditional quick-fix calorie restriction diets – it's a lifestyle change that actually works and keeps working.

"I think it's much easier to stick to because you're not starving yourself. I feel full after every meal.”

The programme builds on the success of the Freshwell Low Carb Project.

In its first year, patients at the Freshwell Health Centre in Finchingfield reduced their weight by a collective 1 tonne – more than 157 stones, or the weight of a small car.

Dr Andrews, who lives in Halstead, works at Freshwell Health Centre as a GP with a special interest in Diabetes.

She added: “The body converts an average potato into the rough equivalent of nine teaspoons of sugar, and a small bowl of cornflakes is equivalent to 8 teaspoons of sugar.

"Most people are aware that white sugar is bad for us but it is also hidden away in places like pasta, bread and potatoes.

“Reducing starchy carbohydrates can lower your blood sugar and insulin levels and promote a feeling of fullness, so there’s less urge to snack.

"This lifestyle gives people hope that they can lose weight for the first time in years and can halt some chronic diseases, all with a lifestyle change that cuts food craving and emphasises real, unprocessed food.”

“Anyone on long-term medication, particularly for blood pressure or diabetes, should speak to their doctor before starting any weight loss programme.”

People registered with a Colne Valley PCN surgery can join the free programme to boost their wellbeing by contacting Sharon Withnell on lowcarb.cvpcn@nhs.net or via the Facebook