The Activ’sport association and the Ter clinic in Ploemeur are mobilizing against obesity, a public health issue. “In Europe, almost half of the population is overweight or obese”, underlined the Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (DREES) in July 2024 in a report on the subject. In France, it concerns “15% of the population”, recalls Olivier Fercocq, visceral and digestive surgeon at the Ter clinic. Sedentary lifestyle, stress, diet… there are many factors leading to weight gain. The diseases associated with it – hypertension, diabetes, heart problems and even joint problems – weigh on life expectancy.
On a voluntary basis
The proposed program of activities is part of public policies and follows a call for projects launched by the Morbihan Primary Health Insurance Fund. It is aimed at those who feel obese. “BMI (body mass index) is a good indicator to know this,” notes Christophe Berardi, director of the Ter clinic. We speak of obesity when it is greater than 30. People must be willing and motivated. “It has to be a choice on their part,” argues Justine Gallo, director of the Activ’sport association.
Before entering the program, an individual assessment will be drawn up “in order to assess each person’s situation”. Eight people will be selected per session, two in number, between January and April 2025 for the first, April and June for the second. People who are not accepted will be redirected to their general practitioner. Those enrolled in a bariatric surgery course can also take part.
The WHO recommends 30 minutes of physical activity per day, but even if you only do ten minutes, that’s already enough.
“Benevolent” program
The program extends over three months and offers, twice a week (Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), physical activities and workshops around food. “The program is caring. We adapt to the person we have in front of us,” says Justine Gallo. She recalls that along with diet, physical activity is one of the answers to obesity. “The WHO recommends 30 minutes a day, but even if you only do ten minutes, that’s already it.”
The food workshops will be an opportunity to take stock of the concepts of diet or glycemic index (classification of foods containing carbohydrates). “This needs to become good practice and last a long time,” comments dietician Alice Le Grand. At the end of the program, a new interview will allow the effects to be evaluated. People will also be guided towards continued activity.
Practical
Information and registrations (€70) on tel. 02 98 10 77 86.
Health
