Arriba! Well-again Linda hosts Bristol weight-loss class

By jdolan

Two years ago, Linda Agoudjil pilled on the pounds after being diagnosed with breast cancer and a benign tumour on her uterus.

The normally sporty 33-year-old was unable to do her usual street dancing and cycling and in just a year she put on two-and-a-half stone.

This weight gain put 5ft 6ins Miss Agoudjil into the overweight category.

Today, Miss Agoudjil, who lives with her partner in Downend, runs a successful part-time weight-loss business after getting back to a healthy weight.

She learnt about the basics of nutrition and about how to teach people to do the same, understanding that it's best to lead by example and provide access to nutritional knowledge and education.

Miss Agoudjil, who works as an aerospace engineer at Filton, said: "I want to use my experience to help the community. 2007 was a difficult year for me. First it was discovered I had a lump on my uterus that was 30cm in diameter.

"Then I found a lump in my breast which turned out to be a very early stage of breast cancer and I had radiotherapy sessions to treat it."

As part of her business, Miss Agoudjil runs a successful, non-profit community weight loss group, called Arriba! Weight Loss Challenge.

Unlike many weight-loss groups, the participants are not restricted by an imposed diet.

The community classes offer cash prizes for those who lose the biggest percentage of their body weight 12 weeks from £300 to £100.

Miss Agoudjil said: "All our challenges have been fun and helped groups of people to lose weight but also educated them on basic nutrition. Our concept is quite new but it has been very successful."

Arriba! Weight Loss Challenge classes are currently held in Filton and Kingswood, but a new challenge is starting in Fishponds on February 17 at 7pm.

There is a joining fee of £39 to cover the cost of the venue and the cash prizes. Each class can take a maximum of 40 people.

If you are interested in joining the group, call 07545 046096 or 908 1025, or email info@balance-nutrition.net.