This is the Audio version of the MRP PPG Newsletter - Issue 41, August 2025.

The newsletter contains items on: -

• An update on Community Defibrillator availability.
• Information on the “Beyond the Scales” Podcast series by Carrie Eckersly
• A welcome and introduction to our new Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Jen Coxon.
• Details of the Winter Ready Event, which is scheduled for Thursday, 11th September at Chesterton.
• Advance information on the Autumn COVID/Flu clinics.

These are the links referenced in the podcast:

Beyond the Scales Podcast Series - http://mountroadpracticeppg.nhs.uk/ppg-podcasts 

We’re sure that you will find the content both informative and enlightening, but as always, if you have any feedback or any future topics you would like to see covered, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via our website http://mountroadpracticeppg.nhs.uk or email us at [email protected]

Link to download Newsletter - Download your copy here

Link to subscribe to the PPG Newsletter - http://mountroadpracticeppg.nhs.uk/newsletter-registration

This episode is for you if you’ve ever started losing weight and felt motivated — only to hit a point where nothing seems to work anymore, and the scales won’t budge — you’re not alone.

That’s called a plateau — and it’s completely normal. 

I’ll talk about the following topics: -

• What is a weight loss plateau?
• What is your metabolism? 
• The body’s thermostat — your set point 
• Whether you can you change your set point
• What can help during a plateau? 

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

We finish this series with a really important reminder:

You are more than just a number 

I’ll talk about: -

• Why we use numbers — and why they’re not everything  
• What really matters
• If you’ve felt judged before 

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

In this episode, I want to talk about something really important: why small changes matter more than you think.

I will cover: -

• Why big overhauls don’t work 
• Why small changes stick
• Some examples of small, realistic changes
• Why it’s okay to go at your own pace 

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

In this episode, I want to talk about something we don’t talk about enough — shame.

The episode will cover: -

• How shame shows up 
• Why shame doesn’t work
• What helps instead? 
• What you can do if you’re carrying shame

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

In this episode, I want to talk about what support actually looks like — and how to choose the kind of help that feels right for you.

It will cover: -

• Why to bother asking for help
• What support is available
• Choosing what’s right for you
• What to do if you feel nervous about asking 

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right — eating better, moving more — but the scales still don’t move… it could have a lot to do with how well you’re sleeping and how stressed your body feels.

To learn more, I’ll talk about: -

• What happens to your body under stress
• What happens when you don’t sleep enough
• What can you do about stress and sleep

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

If you’ve ever said that to yourself — or felt frustrated because you “gave in” — I want you to know: it’s not just about willpower.

And it’s certainly not about being weak, or lazy, or not wanting it enough. 

I’ll talk about: -

• Why it feels like willpower
• What’s really happening in your body
• Why shame and blame don’t help
• What you can try instead

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/

If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure what help is even available, you’re not alone. And I want to start this series by saying something very clearly:

You are not the problem.

I’ll talk about: -

• Why shame doesn’t help and what this series will cover

Here are the links to the weight loss resources, as mentioned at the end of the episode: -

NN-PCN Weight Management page - https://www.newcastlenorthpcn.nhs.uk/clinical-topics/weight-management/

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Weight Management information and practical resources - https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/local-weight-management-services/