Rosemary Simmonds: "“Support was unconditional, friendly and non-judgemental”
I first heard about the Counterweight programme from an article about a Covid trial in one of the daily papers, I think either the Daily Mail or The Telegraph. I sent an email to Professor Emilie Combet at Glasgow university expressing my interest and informing them of mine, and my husbands’ long covid symptoms. I then received an email in December 2021 informing me that I was to be included in the second cohort.
“The Counterweight team were polite, informal, informative and friendly”
I was hoping that participating would help to alleviate my long covid symptoms and that the results would help others. The Counterweight team were polite, informal, informative and friendly. My only reservation was that I was not sure that I would be able to adhere to such a VLCD. However, I did discuss this with Bjorn, but I didn’t realise just how difficult it would be for me with my husband's ongoing health issues, and my own lack of willpower.
“Support was unconditional, friendly and non-judgemental”
I found the programme excellent but was unable to continue for a time, but I then rejoined. I could not fault the support and information I received from Bjorn both nutritionally and personally. His support was unconditional, friendly and non-judgemental. I certainly learned about nutritional values.
“Delivery of the products is also excellent”
The nutritional value of the products seems excellent. Some of the soups tasted fine, the shakes that I tasted were very sweet. Delivery of the products is also excellent! My motivation during my time on the programme was to lose weight and hopefully my symptoms and I will continue to try and lose weight past completing my time on the programme.“The Tool kit is a good working tool both informative, easily workable and user friendly”
I found the app and behavioural change tool kit really helpful. The Tool kit is a good working tool both informative, easily workable and user friendly. There was also a group chat for others going through the same programme as my husband and I, lots of friendly discussions and solutions to queries.
“I learned a lot about nutrition”
Upon finishing the programme some of my eating habits have changed and I have also reintroduced a gentle exercise plan. I Learned a lot about nutrition and that the products appeared to be complete nutrition required for VLCD.
“ I am grateful for being included in the programme”
I would recommend the programme both to friends and family. Everything is in the programme to help someone with a weight problem. As previously expressed, my support from Bjorn was exceptional. I would definitely recommend the programme to others hoping that they would be more successful than I was. I am grateful for being included in the programme. I had superb support and information from both Counterweight and The University of Glasgow.