NEWS COPY - WITH PICTURES
Hoping to lose a few pounds after the New Year but gloomy about your chances of success with conventional methods?
A health consultancy in Birmingham could have the answer.
Medical experts at TriHealth have launched what could be Britain's first weight loss programme that combines exercise with psychotherapy.
The Northfield-based firm has teamed up with Greens Health & Fitness to provide a unique dietary, fitness and mental health course.
It promises to help shift the pounds through tailored gym routines and a series of psychological treatments designed to address the causes of weight gain.
This is supported by a realistic diet plan, tailored to the client's needs by an in-house nutritionist.
According to TriHealth, the six-week 'WhyWeight?' course arms people with the ''essential tools'' needed to lose weight - and feel good.
Stelios Kiosses, managing director at TriHealth, said: ''The programme is structured around the principle of re-educating people, looking into behavioural patterns and establishing new ways of living.
''Put simply, it provides people with the essential tools necessary to lose weight and develop a long-term plan for the future.''
The courses, which launched officially this week, begin with a physical assessment and exercise plan by a qualified personal trainer.
Clients then have unrestricted access to the facilities - which include a 25-metre indoor pool - at Greens Health & Fitness in Rednal.
They will also receive a dietary plan, tailored to their needs by a TriHealth nutritionist.
The gym sessions are supported by weekly, one-on-one meetings, with behavioural therapists at TriHealth's HQ.
These are designed to address the issues behind over-eating, and may also include
aromatherapy, meditation, acupuncture and tai-chi.
Since its launch in 2003, Tri Health has become one of Britain's largest face-to-face counselling services.
It has a stable of 12 leading health care professionals who work with individuals and corporations on a daily basis at its clinic in Northfield.
The organisation also has more than 1,000 community-based counsellors nationwide.
Last year, it launched groundbreaking treatment classes at the city's flagship restaurant, Simpsons.
Groups of up to 10 are taught the tricks of trade before preparing a three-course meal of Michelin star quality.
The class then get to sample their wares during a sit-down meal in the restaurant, while receiving ''relaxed and informal'' therapy.
Mr Kiosses said WhyWeight is ''gimmick-free'' and could change the lives of overweight people forever.
''It really can be a life changing experience, to positively make a change both mentally and physically,'' he said.
''A quick fix will not work, the truth will set you free.''
The WhyWeight courses cost £500 and are available by contacting TriHealth through its website at www.tri-health-
ENDS
