Michael (aged 10)

November 2005

Michael was tired of being bullied at school, lagging behind his mother on short walks to the shops and of being ignored by the sports teachers at school.  “I tried to get out of P.E.  any way that I could," says Michael.  Instead he preferred to spend most of his time watching TV and munching on crisps, chocolate and his favourite fizzy drinks.

His mother Jane, realising that something had to be done about Michael's problem, decided they should join a local MEND Programme.   “The first few sessions were hard and I was tired after the exercises," says Michael.  But once his fitness levels began to improve, so did his attitude towards exercising.   “I began to really enjoy the swimming sessions. They were loads of fun!"

Michael also learnt how to overcome his aversion to certain foods.  “I hated chick peas and other stuff but now I enjoy trying the new MEND recipes that mom cooks for me."    Jane is delighted with the change in attitude, “we often refer to and use the MEND recipes and hand-outs on nutrition."

Jane believes that it was important for her and Michael to go through the MEND Programme together as a family.  “I learnt effective ways of encouraging Michael to eat more healthily,  and how to apply these changes at home."   

Michael says he hasn't entirely given up watching TV and snacking, but he now does it in a much more self-disciplined way, “I now know when to stop!" he explains.  This really shows as he has gone from a tailored 16 year-old trouser size to a 14 - and even these have to be kept up with a belt!

His attitude towards excercising has also changed.  " I now play rugby for the B rigby team at school, enjoy P.E and am always keen to try a new sport."