Changing my relationship with food – Maria’s story

22nd July 2026

Determined to improve her health and take control of her diabetes, Maria joined the One You Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Weight Management Programme. She recognised that food had become her comfort and coping mechanism whenever things went wrong, and eating had become a major focus in her life. Seeking lasting change, Maria decided it was time to access support and build healthier habits for the future.

One You Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster supports residents to make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their health and wellbeing. Through personalised support, practical guidance and encouraging group sessions, participants are empowered to develop healthier habits, improve their confidence and achieve long-term lifestyle goals that work for them.

“Before joining the programme, I used food as an anchor. It was the place I would turn to whenever anything went wrong. I enjoyed food and eating had become almost a hobby for me. I felt as though whenever there was space in my stomach, I needed to fill it with food. Looking back, I realised that my relationship with food wasn't always healthy and that I needed support to make changes.”

“My main goal was to lose weight and better manage my diabetes. I knew that improving my eating habits would play an important role in improving my overall health. Since starting the programme, I've completely changed the way I think about food. Food has been relegated to a much less important position in my life and no longer has the same hold over me that it once did. I no longer feel the constant urge to keep eating. While I don't consider myself perfect, I've made real progress and developed a much healthier mindset around food and eating habits.”

“One of the most valuable parts of the programme was the support I received from the facilitator. They created such a positive and encouraging atmosphere and brought out the best in everyone taking part. The group environment made a real difference to my experience. Being surrounded by people working towards similar goals helped me stay motivated and feel supported throughout my journey.”

The One You Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Lose Weight programme provides free, expert support to help residents achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Available through one-to-one coaching or group sessions, the programme offers practical guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and behaviour change. Participants receive personalised support from Health & Wellbeing Coaches, helping them build sustainable habits, improve their overall health, and reduce their risk of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

“Since joining the programme, I've successfully lost weight, which has been a great achievement and has encouraged me to keep moving forward. The changes I've made so far have shown me that improving my health is possible and that small, consistent changes can have a positive impact.”

“My next step is to continue working on my relationship with food and build on the progress I've already made. I also want to add more exercise to my routine as part of my ongoing health journey.”

“The programme has given me greater awareness, confidence and motivation to continue making healthier choices. I'm proud of how far I've come and excited to see what I can achieve next.”