Shed pounds to gain in confidence

Overweight children and their families in the Ollerton area are being helped to lead healthier lifestyles.

MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do-it) is a free ten-week course that aims to help parents make healthier choices to supporttheir children to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

The programme, aimed at seven to 13 year olds, is run by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

It includes physical activities, education on nutrition, trips to supermarkets, and exploring ways to be healthy by incorporating fun and games.

In Newark and Sherwood, 18.4% of young people are obese and 14.3% are overweight.

MEND aims to tackle this by focusing on adopting a healthy lifestyle instead of weight loss alone.

Kimberley Telford, 12, of Walesby Lane, Ollerton, took part in a previous programme at Dukeries Leisure Centre, Ollerton — and had great results.

Her mother, Mrs Patricia Telford, said Kimberley signed up after hearing about the programme at school because she wanted to get fit and lose a little weight.

Mrs Telford said Kimberley had lost around 5lbs and 11/2ins around her waist.

Mrs Telford said: “We all found MEND really interesting. Not only did it involve exercise, but also different recipes and eating healthier foods. It is all really positive.”

Callum Reynolds, 12, of Rainworth, also found the course useful.

His mother, Claire Reynolds, who recommends it to other families, said the difference in him was unbelievable.

The course will take place at Dukeries Leisure Centre from Monday, September 13.

Meetings will be on Mondays and Thursdays, 5pm until 7pm.