Walsall mom changes lifestyle after receiving letter

The Boroughs top Doctors today praised a single mum from Walsall whose insights into her own work pattern have helped her improve her children’s diet and lifestyle.  Ann Stubbs made significant changes to the family’s diet and routine after she received a letter from NHS Walsall’s Child and Weight Measurement Programme informing her that her son was ‘very overweight’.

Ann Stubs said: ‘I had already acknowledged that my son's weight was becoming a problem. I had noticed myself that he was overweight and we had decided as a family to 'get healthy'. The letter just confirmed it to me but I was shocked that he was 'very overweight' or clinically obese. That made me more determined to take action to change their eating habits.  I cook healthy family meals every night, but I think it is the snacks and lack of exercise that have gradually added to the weight increase. As a single mum who works full time, I do not spend as much time with my children as I would like, so the snacks sort of compensate if you like and ease the guilt.’

Dr Sam Ramaiah, Director of Public Health for NHS Walsall, said: ‘Ann is an excellent role model for parents and children in Walsall. It is also a demonstration of what can be done to tackle obesity and its associated problems We commend her.’

Ann has now started to make changes to the family’s lifestyle which will have a huge impact on their health in the future and will help to prevent her son developing weight related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

Ann said:  ‘As a family we are trying to take more exercise together like bike riding and walking I have stopped buying the chocolate and biscuits and we always have fruit on hand. I have not cut out all the treats as I know this is unrealistic and gradual changes are more likely to be maintained rather than drastic measures. So far I have not had any protests from the children!’