Rosny Church Weight Loss Program

During May and June, 2025, Rosny Adventist Church ran an 8-week group weight loss program. The program was developed and facilitated by Libby Hergenhan. Twelve people participated in the program, meeting for two hours per week over eight weeks. Participants lost up to 7kg in 8 weeks.

The program focused on eating more whole plant foods and reducing highly processed foods, animal products and high calorie foods. The concept of calorie density was the core weight loss principle of the program.

Rather than viewing the program as a ‘diet,’ participants were encouraged to make permanent, sustainable lifestyle changes. Bronwyn, one of the participants, said “It was great to lose some weight without feeling hungry.”

Each week participants set personal health goals to work towards over the next week. At each meeting, participants would review their goals with the group, sharing their progress, and discuss lessons learnt and insights gained. Felicity, another participant, commented “Learning the health principles for a long and healthy life has been invaluable, but doing it in a group setting has been motivational and helped keep me accountable every week.”

Each week participants set personal health goals to work towards over the next week. All participants who completed the program lost weight. The greatest amount of weight loss was 7kg over 8 weeks. The average amount of weight lost was 4.7kg.

Apii, one of the participants, said “In all my years of weight loss struggles I (and my girls/family) have never experienced a program that gives results. We are blown away how achievable, enjoyable, satiated and medically beneficial this lifestyle program is. You’ve introduced us to life more abundantly.”

Other reported benefits included increased energy, less cravings, better mood, less brain fog and a more positive mindset. One participant observed, “We weren’t just losing weight but improving our overall nutrition and longevity.”

After completing the program, group participant Takaia reflected, “It’s been a life-changing experience, one I hope to continue by God’s grace who gives me strength.”