A WOMAN from Dursley has shared how losing more than four stone changed her life and has allowed her to stop taking blood pressure medication after 30 years.
Janet Hann started her weight loss journey with the Slimming World group in Dursley in August 2022 after being referred by her GP.
She had been diagnosed with long standing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and prediabetes, arthritis in her knee and had chronic back pain.
One year on and Janet has shared her story in honour of World Heart Day on Friday, September 29.
She said: “After a routine health check last year, for the first time I knew things had to change drastically.
“I was also experiencing severe pain in my knee hampering walking and sleep both of which I enjoy greatly.
“My weight had increased over the years and I had hit 14st 3 lbs.
“I started my Slimming World in August 2022 with Ruth’s Dursley group.
“Each week I stayed in the groups and enjoyed keeping to plan, especially learning how to adapt my favourite meals, like chicken tikka or spaghetti bolognaise, so that I could still enjoy them.
“Trying out new recipes in the magazines and books has kept my interest and focus on food and making choices that helped my weight loss.
“No food is banned and being able to choose how and when to enjoy some higher calorie foods occasionally also made keeping to plan sustainable, something I never thought achievable for me!”
“One year on I am no longer prediabetic, on blood pressure medication I had been taking for 30 years and I am free of arthritic pain in my knee and back.
“The cholesterol level is still a challenge in progress, though it is lower than it was.
“I started to notice these improvements after I had lost 1.5 stone and my total weight loss now is just over four stone.
“I can’t emphasise what a life changer that decision was to join Slimming!”
Consultant Ruth Voller said: “Our aim at Slimming World is to support our members to lose weight and live happier, healthier lives!
“Through weekly support members learn how to make changes to their eating habits and quickly start to include lots of heart healthy foods such as lean meat, fish, plenty of vegetables, fruit and high fibre foods into their diet.”
If you’d like to find out more about Slimming World in Dursley contact Ruth on 07565 470358.
If you are interested in Slimming World on the referral program contact your GP or visit www.hlsglos.org/referral to check eligibility.
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