Leisure Industry key to Implementation of Obesity Strategy

More people - More Active - More Often

Presented by Ms Christine Moloney

Mr Barry Walsh

Introduction Mr Barry Walsh, Managing Director

Bsc Leisure Management Msc Executive Leadership 20 years leisure experience

Private Leisure

1escape health club. , Smithfield The Fitness Dock Medfit proactive healthcare, Blackrock – Medical

exercise facility.

President of ILAM

Ms Christine MoloneyCEO, LeisureWorld Cork City

Dip in Management / MBA

19 years in Leisure Industry

5 Sites – Public Leisure 110 personnel Approx 1,000,000 visits pa Provide Private swim lesson for 1,200 children per week Provide accessible Pool time to 80 School Bookings per week

Vice President of ILAM

About USILAM is a not for profit organisation

National members employer body for the

Leisure, Fitness & Recreational Industry in 26

counties across Ireland

We represent leisure centres in public &

private sector outdoor pursuit centres,

community centres, & education

providers

About ILAMThere are approx 700 leisure centres in 26

counties across Ireland (not incl Independent operators

community centres etc )

Our Industry Employs a broad spectrum of

professionals for example fitness professional,

Cardiac Rehab, GP Referral, swim instructors,

physio’s

A voluntary board who’s primary aim

is to self regulate our Industry and

promote our competencies to our

Communities ...

•ILAM self regulates our industry through:

•White Flag Quality Standard•Child Protection Code / Garda Vetting

•REPS Ireland•Accessible Leisure Centres

ILAM STAKEHOLDERS

ILAM Strategic PartnersIHRSA – Global Association EFHA – European Fitness Association ( based

in Brussels)FIA – UK Fitness Association

Each body undertakes research and lobbies on behalf of our industry to improve participation to tackle the health issues facing our society due to inactivity

Purpose To present the opportunity that exists for the

Leisure Industry to implement Obesity strategies through our facilities & personnel .......

Our Assumptions;The diagnosis processes is completed The Interventions processes are identified. The question;HOW TO IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVELY ?

Participation

Referral Pathways ...Our Industry has the competencies and

resources to provide a referral pathway for

obese/pre obese clients before medical

intervention is required

Our industry is part of the multi disciplinary

approach to increase participation throughout

our society as a Primary Care solution

Example – MEND UK model MEND to tackle obesity through

Community Implementation for 7 -13 year olds

Interventions through Behavioural change, land based activities, water based activities

& Nutrition educationSettings for implementation are:After school , Community, Group-based Venues

include: schools, leisure centres, community centres

LeisureWorld Case StudyDevelop a project that will prove that our

industry can provide a sustainable and successful approach to citizens whose health issues can be tackled

Promote Leisure Industry as a key provider to open pathways and offer direct access to the public that would benefit from an exercise professional advice and

support

Project Weight Loss was born...Pilot 12 week program Initially advertising for 30 participants, who

all have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 and are currently inactive.

The initial pilot project was oversubscribed with over 120 applicants

60 participants initially accommodated.Supported by Cork Sport Partnership

Project Weight Loss Results – 12 weeks Number of Participants

MaxStart Weight

AverageStart Weight

AverageFinish Weight

MaxWeight Loss

MaxSize Loss

AverageSize Loss

60 179 kg 107 kg 100 kg 18 kg 44 cm 17 cm•

OUTCOMES of Project Weight Loss• Over 12 months 300 participated in the

program• 15 – 20 % not completing due to health/life

issues• 40 % exercising independently in gym and

activity based • 40% remain in contact with program • 45 participants in current program

( number limited due to staff and resources – demand would suggest 3 times more active at anyone time )

Sample Participants Comments“The company of others in the same situation

and proper instruction and motivation.”

“The staff are genuinely interested and keen to help.”

“The clear instructions of staff and the push to improve without pushing too far. *I am delighted with how I feel.”

Sample Participants Comments“I am trying to adopt a new lifestyle-to be

fitter and healthier.”

“Movement is easier”

“My breathing has improved. I am able to exercise for longer and my clothes feel a little

looser.”

The Future Plan ...Our VISION is to implement nationwide

through ILAM and Sports Partnerships.

HSE Health Promotion Unit NOW involved and endorse the program

Cork Sport Partnership supporting initiative in County

Leader Training for 8 centres be undertaken in Dec 2012 by LeisureWorld & HSE

SummaryThe Project proves we can help and we have the

capability to improve lifestyle behaviours, the

pilot scheme has provided the hard evidence of

these facts and therefore they are not the

aspirations of one person anymore...they are

facts and we have made a difference to people’s

lives!

Support our Industry needs...Include our industry in the fight against obesity

we are an IMPORTANT STAKEHOLDER

Key Agencies to Support & Endorse activities to improve participation through our Industry

OTHERReduce VAT on swimming and teaching children

to swimBIK on leisure membership – counter productive! Health Insurance Incentives to reward the consumer for being active

SummaryLeisure Industry Facilities & Personnel can

support the family unit from cradle to grave with activities & education through multi disciplinary and a collaborative focus.

( CSPPA Study, ISC, Strategic Advice, pg 135)

WE ARE PUTTING OUR HANDS UP TO HELP

Let us HELP ...... Our Industry is a great Resource

but under Utilized at present

Active Children... Active Adults

More people - More Active - More Often

More people - More Active - More Often

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING