Empowering Bristol residents to make healthy lifestyle changes

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In Bristol, we’ve been delivering free healthy lifestyle courses for adults and families on behalf of Bristol City Council since 2021.

Recent data shows that more than half of adults in Bristol are overweight or obese, which is why we’re committed to being part of the solution by working with individuals to help them build healthy habits and implement positive lifestyle changes. 

Specifically designed for men in Bristol, our expert team of nutritionists deliver the Gutless programme through a series of interactive sessions across 10 weeks, helping men to lose weight and maintain it.  

For community radio show presenter and retired caretaker, Steve Shepherd, the programme was fundamental in supporting him to rethink his approach to health and wellbeing.  

After attending a routine health check, Steve, 66, was informed that his blood pressure was extremely high, he had elevated blood sugar levels and was pre-diabetic.  

Despite once living an active lifestyle, Steve’s difficulties with his weight began following an accident in 2010 which left him unable to go to the gym or do any form of exercise. At his heaviest, he weighed nearly 20 stone.  

He recalled: “I knew I had put on weight but didn’t realise how much. I struggled to do basic tasks like tying my shoelaces. I would get breathless and tire easily but getting the news I was pre-diabetic was a shock. It became a pivotal moment in my life and I realised I needed to do something drastic to change my lifestyle, and I was the only one who could do it.” 

Steve’s health practitioner suggested he join the Gutless programme, and in January 2023, he began taking part in the weekly hour-long online sessions 

Covering topics such as nutrition, health, food labelling, exercise, cooking and portion control, Steve began implementing small changes and noticed his weight start to reduce. 

Steve explained: “Joining the programme was absolutely seamless. It was really easy to follow with knowledgeable nutritionists on hand to guide you. Each week we covered various subjects delivered in bitesize chunks. It fitted into my lifestyle and there was no pressure. We could do it all when we were in the right frame of mind. 

“I learnt it was all about making small changes to achieve a bigger goal at the end of it. Get off the bus two stops earlier, walk a little bit further, use a staircase instead of an escalator.”

The Gutless programme has been life-changing for Steve, helping him lose weight and build positive habits that support his health and wellbeing.  

He added: “I’m now just over 15 stone. I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved. I have more confidence, my blood pressure and blood sugars are within the normal range and I’m no longer pre-diabetic. I’m no longer breathless, have more energy and I’ve developed good habits.

“I think one of the most important things is I’m now able to live life to the full. With the aid of Gutless, I’m continuing to lose weight and keep it off, which is amazing.”  

To find out more about our health services and whether you are eligible to take part, please visit our website

15 October, 2024

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