About Professor Paul Gately
The vision and character of CWM was developed by director, Professor Paul Gately, who has over 20 years research experience in the field of childhood obesity; studying weight loss programmes throughout the world. The structure, content and implementation of the CWM programmes today have been born out of this.
Paul holds a degree in Sports Science and a Masters in Human Nutrition. He went on to complete a PhD, evaluated and redeveloped an American residential weight loss camp as an intervention for the treatment of overweight and obese children. His primary research interest being childhood obesity treatment.
Professor Gately has also presented a number of television programmes on the subject of childhood obesity and is a regular contributor on radio, television and in the press. He has been a contributor to the International Obesity Task Force/World Health Organisation’s report on childhood obesity, as well as being a consultant to many government agencies, health organisations and corporations throughout the UK and internationally.
Professor Paul Gately’s Story
“I first became interested in the subject of childhood obesity at the age of 18, when I went to work on a Camp in America. As a national, junior athlete and keen sports person, I was delighted to find it was a sports camp, but when I got there found that it was also a camp purely for overweight children. I had never heard of the concept before and was initially a bit sceptical. However it turned out to be a fantastic opportunity. From my experience in America, I learnt what ‘not to do’! The strict boot camp regime of the camps which enforced dietary restrictions and hardcore exercise lead to extreme weight loss during their time at camp however all the campers put the weight back almost immediately on their return home. I became fascinated by the subject of obesity and weight loss in children and ever since then it has become my life mission to design, develop and deliver the most successful weight loss programmes for children anywhere in the world.
“We took the best bits of the US camp but removed the worst bits. It's about having fun in an enjoyable, safe environment and motivating, supporting and engaging the kids and helping them to succeed. We've taken a scientific approach and have the most scientific evidence in the world for our programmes.
“Today’s childhood obesity epidemic affects millions of young people both physically and emotionally. But with the right education, support and encouragement, I believe we can help them overcome the barriers and transform their lives, achieving both sustainable weight loss and the drive to succeed.”
- Professor Paul Gately