SSH & SSDC battle it out in a weight loss challenge

18th April 2008

Every year South Somerset District Council co-ordinates a Weightloss challenge whereby its staff voluntarily pledge to lose at least 5lbs of weight over a six week period. The scheme has been very successful in previous years at SSDC with approximately 100 staff participating. The challenge was this year available to South Somerset Homes and proved a huge success with around 30 staff participating in the challenge. At the weekly weight loss meetings staff were weighed, and also received some healthy lifestyle hints and tips through regular emails from the team at SSDC.

Cumulatively SSH lost 11st 3.5lbs and SSDC lost 9st 6.5lbs, with the overall winner coming from SSH who lost 18lbs. The participants from SSH really rallied together for the challenge and there was a lock down on unhealthy snacks in some areas of the Alvington Headquarters. SSH participants also had the added incentive of competing against SSDC in the challenge to spur on their weight loss.

Claire King, Senior Community Activity and Lifestyles Officer at SSDC said "We are delighted that South Somerset Homes have embraced the Weightloss Challenge so enthusiastically. There is mounting evidence that a healthy workplace is a happy workplace and the Weightloss Challenge is part of a wider Active Workplace programme. The Community Activity and Lifestyles team are looking forward to working with South Somerset Homes and workplaces across the district to help them promote a healthier and more active lifestyle to their staff."

Pictured here from left to right is Claire King Senior Community Activity and Lifestyles Officer at SSDC, Louise Bulmer Community Activity and Lifestyle Officer and a few of the participants from South Somerset Homes who took part in the Weightloss challenge.