Fed member on a mission to help emergency workers shift the pounds

12 August 2022

A Federation member who recently launched an online community to help emergency service workers live a healthier lifestyle says he is overwhelmed with the positive response he has received in just a few months.

Ian Cook, a traffic officer for West Midlands Police, created a Facebook page called Blue Light Lifestyle in June, after recognising the impact regular shift work can have on the diets of emergency service workers.

Already more than 400 people, including police officers, paramedics and NHS workers have joined the online group, which was launched by Ian to provide a safe and supportive space for those who struggle with their diet and weight.

“No one better understands shift patterns than those who are doing them on a regular basis,” says Ian, who completed a degree in sports coaching before joining the Force 15 years ago.

“I thought I would put my degree to use and help colleagues and fellow emergency workers, which is why I set up the group. I have been really surprised with the response so far.”

Ian said he started to receive similar feedback from shift workers, who found they had become lazy with their diet and so, started turning to snacking and takeaways on a regular basis. 

“Because of the shift timings, people seem to fall into the habit of eating badly or not eating at all, which is just as bad,” father-of-two Ian explained.

“And because people are tired or stressed, they start to emotionally eat as well. Of course, not looking after their diet then impacts their mood and has a knock-on effect on their motivation to exercise. And all of asudden, they find that they’re falling into this unhealthy lifestyle trap.”

The Facebook group has members from across the country, from all corners of the emergency services. Each day, Ian will post either a motivational message, a recipe or a how-to video, by way of providing essential support, advice, polls, informative notes and encouragement to members.

“I’ve heard so many times from people who admit that before they joined the emergency services, they were in a really good routine but have since spiralled into a cycle of bad habits,” said Ian, who runs the group voluntarily. 

“Then people start fearing that they’re too unfit or healthy for the job and worry about not being able to complete things like the bleep test. Sometimes, people even end up going off-sick as a result of their concerns, but hopefully, the group will help to prevent this long-term.

“I’ve seen people close to me decline with their health and I’ve experienced my own weight issues in the past. I just want to help people and it’s seeing the difference I’m making, that keeps me motivated.”

Ian said he would love to encourage Police Federation members from across all branches nationwide to get involved if they feel they need support.

“So often people suffer in silence and people are scared or fear speaking out about their weight, especially to the likes of occupational health. The good thing about this group is it’s more like speaking to your mate, who understands what you’re going through. 

“We probably all go through the same or similar issues, it’s just whether we choose to talk about it or not.”

As a result of the Blue Light Lifestyle group, Ian also offers one-to-one support for those really struggling with their diet and weight. Capacity-dependent, Ian will create a paid-for 90-day plan for clients, with the main goal to change their attitude to food and exercise long-term. 

Find out more about Blue Light Lifestyle and join the Facebook group.