MdC Tackles Health Inequity With Weight Loss Program For Migrant Women
A woman smiles while her measurements are taken as part of MdC’s 10/4 Weight Loss Challenge.
On December 19th we celebrated the end of MdC’s first ever fitness program - the 10/4 Weight Loss Challenge - that saw 25 women commit to healthier eating and regular exercise. Over the course of 10 weeks, the women lost a combined total of 192 pounds and 66 combined inches around the waist. Despite the prevalence of obesity in the communities we serve, these women found the courage and tenacity to try something different and learn about healthier living. We could not be more proud of them and what they have achieved!
In addition to meeting their health goals, these women because part of a community. Along with our MdC leaders, the met together multiple times a week for exercise for the 10 weeks and they got to know each other, and friendships formed.
Stage 1: Providing The Tools and Knowledge For Healthier Living
A participant poses with her new shoes on the first week of the 10/4 Weight Loss Challenge.
Imagine never being taught the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods.
Imagine not having a kitchen, so cooking and cleaning takes so much effort that you gravitate towards cooking what is easiest (and often cheapest).
Imagine not having any appropriate clothes and shoes for working out because such items are too expensive.
Imagine that everyone around you is so concerned about making ends meet that no one makes time for recreation or exercise.
Imagine not having a shower or bath so if you get too sweaty, washing up takes extra effort
We ordered a variety of styles and colors
Each woman provided their shoe size and we ordered extras to be sure
Then each tried them on to ensure a proper fit
This is the environment that many of the women live in. Many of them didn’t even own a pair of sneakers and arrived for their first exercise class in flip flops. Exercising takes intentional effort, as they don’t live in an environment that is conducive to walking or exercising outside. The streets are dirt, it is pitch black at night with no streetlights and there are stray dogs everywhere you turn.
Through relationship building and active listening, the MdC team came to better understand the many barriers to health that families face. We realized we cannot just give out healthy foods if we want people to live more healthily. We need to transform a culture and provide the tools for that transformation.
At the very beginning of the 10/4 Weight Loss Challenge:
Every participant received a new pair of sneakers and an exercise mat to take home. (next time we will order socks too)
Every participant met with a nutritionist 1:1
Every participant was given an exercise to do at home and samples of healthy menus with pictures that included portion sizes
Exercise became something fun that women enjoyed, each working at their own level (look at their great footwear)
Community enjoyed the company and time together
Women had regular 1:1 counselling with MdC’s nutritionist
We were encouraged by the number of women who wanted to take part in the challenge and acknowledged that they were looking to make a change! This reinforced to us that many people in our communities are concerned about their health, they just need some support and encouragement. Many of the participants are mothers who want to model healthy living for their children.
It was great to see their progress and how much more the women could do as the weeks passed
Program leader, Jocelyn (bottom left), developed a bond with all of the women
Week after week they came and worked hard
Now that the women had the right tools for the job, they were ready for the next stage of their fitness journey!
Stage 2: Creating Community and Regular Routine
The next stage of our program was establishing an exercise routine and encouraging accountability and motivation through community. We all know how important an exercise buddy is when you’re feeling demotivated!
Exercise classes
Every Sunday afternoon, women came together for a group exercise class with a personal trainer. They got their heart rates going and learned new exercises that they can do at home with their MdC-provided exercise mat.
Weekly walking
We organized a morning and evening walking program where women went to a local park and experienced the benefit of working out together. Women could bring their children and have a chance to connect with one another. Their group chat kept them updated during the week when they were not walking. Healthy snacks and drinks were provided to keep the women energized.
In front, fitness trainer, Jocelyn, leads the group
Week-after-week women came for the group class
Team leaders were frequently taking pictures and messaging them to the group for encouragement
It is not easy to find healthy snacks
Children’s program
Caring for children is a barrier for many of the women to find time for exercise. To make it as easy as possible for women, MdC established a children’s program. Led by MdC teacher, Andrea, children were provided a structured program where they received age appropriate learning and activities on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. They even got to join their mom’s exercising for a few minutes of their class and got to try different types of healthy food.
Teacher Andrea uses pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods to education children on healthy choices
Stage 3: Positive Reinforcement
Losing weight is more than just a matter of changing one’s diet and exercising more. There are environmental, biochemical, and social factors that can impact a body’s ability to lose fat. Not only does it require a change of lifestyle, knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and access to healthy living choices, it also requires positive reinforcement.
Personalized nutrition coaching
Every other week, participants were weighed and measured. They then discussed their progress with a nutritionist in a 1:1 session. The purpose of these meetings was to help the women devise strategies to overcome their challenges and create meal plans to help them work towards their goal.
Women are happy as they see the results of their hard work
MdC leader, Michell, poses for a picture
Incentives and rewards
Women receive credit for attending class and participating in the various aspects of the program. At the end of the program, we handed out prizes and awards to celebrate their accomplishments.
The children also received certificates and gifts for their participation in their program.
Certificate of completion and gifts for the kids
She is carrying her mom’s exercise mat
Teacher Andrea poses with brothers who were so excited to get their gifts
Andrea, and Fiancee Armando get gifts ready for distribution.
“No one has ever cared about me this much.”
This cutie poses with her newly painted nails
Kids were so happy to be included in the celebration
Many of the woman expressed gratitude for the support they have received through this journey. Some teared as they received their awards. One woman said, “No one has ever cared about me this much”.
Participant Damaris lost over 17 pounds!
At the end of the day, none of our programs will be effective without the dedication of our participants. These resilient women showed us what it means to show up every week.
Participant Aurora was moved to tears expressing her gratitude for the community and support
Program leader and personal trainer Jocelyn poses with Francisco and Jean for a final picture
The Bigger Picture
MdC’s goal is to address the factors that are keeping families in poverty. The 10/4 challenge is just one of the many programs and services that are being provided to accomplish this goal:
Weekly clean water jug refill and delivery program
Medical, dental and vision fairs held twice per year to track and address history
Feed-a-family healthy food delivery to supplement groceries for families
Women’s work programs to provide a means for women to work while caring for their children
To come in 2022 is the launch of our education program where we will be addressing the significant gaps in learning to improve school attendance and and ultimately graduation rates at all levels.