By Callum Ludwig
The Yarra Junction Weight Support Group is opening up the opportunity for new members to come and find a supportive space for their weight loss journey.
The group meet weekly at the Yarra Junction Bowling Club for a private weigh-in for members to check their own progress and they can stay for a meeting afterwards from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Organiser Margaret Baker said they have a group of about 25 members currently.
“It’s a personal journey, but the weigh-in on a weekly basis is so you know you are not alone, you weigh yourself privately, no one comments on your weight, it’s just encouragement,” she said.
“It’s a friendship group as well because some people live on their own, so it keeps them in contact with people so they don’t sit at home where it’s easier to fall into bad habits, it’s a way of getting out, communicating with other people and having a friendly group that they know they can ring at any time.”
The group has said guest speakers who come and provide important advice on health and exercise, including a former paramedic who taught first-aid training and a local fitness trainer. They are currently in talks with Diabetes Australia about a potential presentation but hold their own regular discussions on topics like the benefits of drinking lots of water or listening to the weight loss stories of members who would like to share.
While it may seem daunting at times, Ms Baker said the weekly weigh-in is so important.
“There are seven days in a week, so if you have a couple of bad days and get to Sunday night and you think ‘Oh my God, I’ve got a weigh-in on Wednesday’, it puts you back on the right track for those few days and a few good days is better than none,” she said.
“It’s the accountability it creates each week, and if someone is struggling with what they eat, we can sit down and help them through it, give helpful hints to try and get people on the right track.”
Anyone interested in joining the Yarra Junction Weight Support Group can contact Ms Baker at 0409 162 189.
