OVERWEIGHT people who have signed up to a scientific study in Sheffield are feeling the benefits of exercise sessions which are helping them to beat the bulge.
As many as 70 adults are taking part in the study at Concord Sports Centre, in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University to discover whether there are genetic causes of obesity.
The study aims to provide researchers and fitness experts with a better understanding of the underlying reasons why some people struggle with leading a healthy lifestyle.
Craig Potts, aged 45, from Longley, who is taking part in the research, and is also a member of Concord's GP referral scheme, has been taking part in supervised exercise sessions and has achieved far more than he expected.
He said: "I've lost five stone in the last year, which is more than I ever managed with dieting. The atmosphere here at Concord is really good. When I first came I thought it might be a chore, but everyone is really friendly and the staff are brilliant.
"All different shapes and sized people come to the gym and classes so I feel very comfortable."
Research, which began a year ago, looked at how people's motivation for exercise changed due to levels of naturally produced serotonin, commonly named the 'happy hormone' as it gives a feeling of well-being.
Exercisers were given one-to-one exercise and diet guidance and motivation over a 12-week programme by Concord's Fitness Specialist Dave Birds, and many have now dropped stones and are on the way to becoming trimmer and healthier.
By eating and exercising, levels of serotonin rise giving a feeling of well-being.
The serotonin sends messages to the brain and depending on the receptors an individual possesses, this can either motivate or de-motivate a person.
Dave Birds turned his own life around by shedding 12 stone at Concord before training as a qualified fitness specialist and working with patients referred to a Sheffield International Venues centre by their GP.
As part of the project he has been putting the volunteers through their paces over a 12 week period in a series of sessions and activities at the centre designed to combat obesity. The training identifies how easy or difficult it is for someone to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Dave said: "This groundbreaking project has a really interesting aim because so many people fail when trying to lose weight and get fit. This study will bring insight into why so we can adapt workout routines to help those with genetic resistance."
Sue Kesterton- Exercise & Health Science Researcher at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "Results appear interesting but we are looking for a few more participants to help conclude the study.
"This is an opportunity for anyone who is struggling with weight to access specialist exercise advice at Concord."
If you are overweight and would like to take part please contact Dave Birds on 0114 2574426.
Got a view? Leave your comment below.Buy The Star - Monday to Saturday - for local news, sport, features and ads. To subscribe CLICK HEREREAD MOREMain news indexYour lettersFeaturesSouth Yorkshire's environmental newsKids ZoneMore business newsMore Rotherham newsMore Doncaster newsMore Barnsley newsLatest sport