Every Monday morning, members of the Burnaby Mental Wealth Society do their weigh-in. They've formed a weight loss support group, using the international program, called TOPS or Taking off Pounds Sensibly for guidance.

Phyllis Parsons says, "it's really good. I really enjoy it. It gives me self-purpose and a new goal in life."

Carmina Tinaburri says, "a lot of our members here have quite an issue with weight gain and medications, anti-depressants and anti-psycotics."

Dr. Deidre Ryan, Psychiatrist at BC Women's Health Centre, says, "weight gain is a possible side effect with anti-depressants and anti-psycotic medications. That's why it's really important to combine medications with a good exercise regiment just for their mental health as well as to address their concerns around weight."

As an incentive, TOPS members are given prizes for weight loss - Maria lost 8 pounds in 6 weeks. Ray's lost 6. What's helped him?

Ray Seredin says, "the support of other people who have to lose weight as well."

Dr. Deirdre Ryan says, "if somebody gains on one. Try another one. It is really important. Don't stop treatment because of concerns about weight gain."

Dr. Ryan says it's great that this group is making the lifestyle choices that will improve their health.

Maria Matias says, "I have a sense of well-being which makes me feel good and feel better about myself from losing weight."

For more information about the TOPS support group at the Burnaby Mental Wealth Society, you can check out the website: www.bmws.bc.ca. This week there's also a free lecture on what you can do about weight gain and metabolic changes caused by commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. It's on Wednesday night in North Vancouver. For more information, call 604-987-6959 or visit the website www.cmhanwv.com

Tuesday April 11, 2006