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Home » Lose Weight » Job placement program helps participants get healthier, lose weight

It could be any Weight Watchers meeting anywhere.

"What's a good snack?" "How much water should you drink in a day?" "What is a correct portion size?" the leader asks as hands of those eager to answer the questions shoot up in the air.

This meeting at Employment Solutions is made up of people who have extra challenges when trying to lose weight. Many of the participants at Employment Solutions, a non-profit that helps those with barriers to employment become self-sufficient, have mental and physical disabilities that keep them from living independently. Because of that, many live in group homes or depend on other people to choose and prepare their food.

For them, food is used often as a reward for good behavior. And keeping active isn't the first priority when dealing with many people with many needs living in one home, said Nicole Kelley, director of expressive programs at Employment Solutions.

Sometimes the level of staffing is an issue, too.

"There is just no way if you have one staffer you can even get everybody together to take a walk," she said. And sometimes people simply don't know the best way to teach good health and fitness, she said.

The weekly informational programs at Employment Solutions such as one recently in which a chiropractor talked about nutritional health and how losing weight can help your spine and overall health are just part of the effort.

Eddie Farris proudly wears his blue "Employment Solutions Fitness Challenge" T-shirt that was given to all participants along with a water bottle and a notebook to record their food choices.

By exercising and watching what he eats, Farris has lost 200 pounds. He carries before-and-after pictures, well creased, in his pocket and proudly shares his story.

Participants celebrate their one-week weight loss. (Video by Mary Meehan)

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Job placement program helps participants get healthier, lose weight

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Home » Lose Weight » Job placement program helps participants get healthier, lose weight