Sarah Tamplin and Janet Bower
Hywel Dda University Health Board
When the NHS was established over 70 years ago, the prevalent health issues were vastly different from those we face today. While life expectancy has significantly increased, the primary health challenges have shifted from acute conditions like childbirth complications and accidents to chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. Currently, two-thirds of adults in the UK are above a healthy weight and chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and preventable cancers are now the most pressing issues for the NHS. Addressing these conditions effectively is crucial to alleviating the immense pressure on an already overburdened healthcare system. Our collective modern lifestyle profoundly impacts both our short-term and long-term health.
The first phase of this project sought to test a model of practice which included education, group coaching and workshops over a six-week programme to address health challenges and support people to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Having successfully evaluated the pilot, phase 2 aims to prepare and establish a long-term version of this initiative.
Building on the outcome of the pilot, the second phase will allow for more time for planning, a longer 9-week programme, as well as a clinical component supported by a GP and nurse. This will complement the original format to provide a more robust programme of support through pre-engagement and activation both before the programme starts and as part of structured follow up.
This clinic will continue to work in collaboration with medical professionals, health coaches, leisure centres, arts in health, PAVS and many more sectors with an inclusive approach to recruitment, inviting referrals, including self-referrals, from anyone wanting to make a health positive lifestyle change.
Case Study: My Lifestyle Medicine Story
Back in November 2024, I had what I call my “sliding doors moment.” After four years of medical treatments, my health had taken a real knock. A blood test showed my blood sugars were high, my blood pressure was up, and on top of that I was struggling with anxiety and low mood.
I’d normalised being unwell. I spent so much time “resting” and “recovering” that I forgot how to actually live. I’d lost confidence in my body, to the point where even going shopping on my own felt overwhelming.
Then I had a really honest chat with my GP. I told her everything, and she referred me to the Lifestyle Medicine programme. Honestly, I was nervous—it was way out of my comfort zone—but I made myself go to the first session in January 2025.
That’s when things started to shift. Over nine weeks of workshops, coaching, and group support, I slowly started to rebuild. Being around people going through similar things was a huge comfort—we even set up a WhatsApp group that we still use now.
One of the big turning points came on a family beach walk. Normally, I’d have avoided the “big hill,” but this time I thought, just try it. It was hard, but I got to the top—and when my son hugged me and said, “Well done Mum, I’m proud of you,” I could have cried. That moment was worth everything.
I loved the session on mental health and wellbeing—learning about sleep, stress, and relationships gave me practical tools I still use. I also tried exercise classes I’d never have dared to join before, thanks to the encouragement of the leisure team.
Nine months later, I’m still using everything I learned. My original goal was simple: to manage that beach walk without feeling like I’d keel over. Now, I’ve done so much more. I’ve visited family I used to avoid, gone back to the theatre and dance, joined yoga and Pilates, and even started lifting weights with my teenage sons (which I actually love!). I’ve also signed up to university again—to study poetry and prose.
One of the best lessons was the “80/20 comfort zone” rule—living 80% in your comfort zone and 20% outside it. That 20% has been life-changing for me. It’s where the growth happens, and it’s pushed me to try things I’d never imagined.
The results speak for themselves. I’ve lost four stone, my blood pressure and blood sugars are back to normal, and I’m in a much better place for when I eventually need surgery. Most importantly, I don’t accept feeling unwell anymore.
Right now, I’m focused on becoming the fittest, strongest version of myself—so I can sling on a backpack and travel around Europe.
And that “big hill” beach walk? These days, it’s a piece of cake.
