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Australian Broadcasting Corporation
How Brent served up solutions to diet-related disease
How Brent served up solutions to diet-related disease
How Brent served up solutions to diet-related disease
Tuesday 3rd September 2024
Discover Brent Woolwork's inspiring journey from battling weight issues to becoming a health advocate for his community.
22 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Encouraging
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Sobriety Success Stories
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Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Brent's Journey: From Weight Struggles to Community Health Advocate
Episode Overview
- Brent's upbringing in a food-centric Samoan family influenced his relationship with food.
- Eleanor's diagnosis of type 2 diabetes prompted Brent to adopt healthier eating habits.
- Brent transitioned from crash dieting to sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Involvement in the Good Start Program helped Brent advocate for healthier living within Pacific communities.
- Using social media, Brent shared healthier versions of traditional Pacific dishes.
It can be very complex to explain and also understand. But I managed to tell my dad yesterday how diabetes works in his body, and it fully changed his perception about food.
In this episode of Days Like These — True Stories, we dive into the life of Brent Woolwork, a proud Samoan from South Auckland, whose journey takes him from battling weight issues to becoming a health advocate for his community. When Brent's sister, Eleanor, is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it sets off a chain reaction that changes his perspective on health and nutrition.
Brent's story is both heartwarming and eye-opening, filled with cultural insights and personal reflections on the challenges Pacific communities face with diet-related diseases. Brent shares his upbringing in a large Samoan family where food was central to every gathering. The portions were generous, and not finishing your plate was almost a cardinal sin. This culture of abundant eating carried over into his adult life, contributing to his struggle with weight.
However, a move to Wagga Wagga and a new work environment prompted Brent to take drastic measures to lose weight, albeit in an unhealthy way initially. The turning point comes when Eleanor's diagnosis forces Brent to rethink his approach to food and health. He shifts from crash dieting to a more sustainable lifestyle, aiming to support his sister and educate himself about diabetes. His commitment grows stronger as he learns more about the disease and its impact on his family.
Brent eventually becomes involved with the Good Start Program, a Queensland Health Initiative aimed at promoting healthy living within Pacific Island communities. He uses social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook to share healthier versions of traditional Pacific dishes, gaining significant traction and sparking conversations about nutrition and cultural identity. This episode is a poignant reminder of the power of family, community, and the importance of sustainable health practices.
Brent's journey is not just about personal transformation but also about making a positive impact on those around him. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on healthy living, Brent's story is a must-listen.