Introduction: Obesity is an epidemic that arises from unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. The latter is also the main problem of the participants in the workshop. The Healthy Weight Loss Workshop is focused on the encouragement of people for their own effort to improve their health. The individual gains knowledge and skills for healthier life style and for changing eating and physical activity habits. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma paper is to discover the effectiveness of the Healthy Weight Loss Workshop based upon the experience of the participants. Work methods: The descriptive work method with a systematic review of the literature was used. With the help of three open-ended questions we interviewed three Healthy Weight Loss Workshop participants. The collected data, which included the viewpoints of the interviewed regarding obesity, taking part in the Healthy Weight Loss Workshop and the weight loss effects, were analyzed with quality methodology. Categories and themes were derived with coding. Results: The results have shown that the workshop participants had a worse quality of life in comparison with the lifestyle before attending the workshop. The obesity impeded them in their everyday chores and they had difficulties with performing physical work. Their self-esteem was low, they were in bad psychophysical condition. After successfully ending the workshop, the participants positively assessed the improvement of the quality of their life in all areas. The awareness of the importance of eating healthy and appropriate physical activity are the factors which the participants should pay most attention to during the workshop and upgrade them later on. The participants expressed propositions for improving the long-term effectiveness of the workshop. Discussion and conclusion: With eating properly, we protect our health and at the same time prevent numerous risks of developing chronical noncontagious diseases. Besides the changes in eating habits, also sufficient everyday physical workout and a change in our thinking is required. The optimal effectiveness is achieved with the combination of each. In accomplishing the best effectiveness, the support of a nurse and the group are also important.
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