STAFF at St John of God Hospital Subiaco are doing away with conventional scales in the Reshape fitness program.
Run by hospital dietetics co-ordinator Charlene Grosse, the six-week program promotes healthy liiving and changing everyday eating behaviours to manage weight, rather than diet.
“Learning to recognise hunger and fullness levels, eating slower and finding satisfaction from what they are eating,” Ms Grosse said.
“It’s getting away from the diet mentality, which just sets people up for failure in the long term.”
About 60 employees have taken part in three previous Reshape programs and the latest round is catering for about 10 employees.
The program covers aspects like examining why diets are ineffective, finding out how staff reached their current weight and ways of making exercise more enjoyable.
“Focusing on eating patterns, body acceptance, body image and being realistic with goals – the overall concept is that the journey is just as important as the end point,” she said.
Ms Grosse has incorporated principles from the book “If Not Dieting, Then What?” written by medical doctor Rick Kausman and plans to run another two courses for staff this year.
“It suits staff who work a set shift, and while we also hope to meet the need of shift workers, at this stage it’s a start,” she said.
She said the word is spreading about the program.