No more ups and downs
After more than 60 years of yo-yo dieting, Margaret Swan found a new way to stick to a healthy lifestyle, thanks to One You Kent.
Margaret Swan, 77, a retired sewage works manager from Pegwell Bay, has spent more than 65 years of her life dieting. In that time she had lost, and re-gained, about 40 stones.
Margaret said: “I started my first diet aged 11. It was always the same. I’d put my ‘diet head’ on and reduce my intake to 1200 calories-a-day and that worked. After a little while, I would start to plateau at a certain weight, get bored and go back to eating as before. I would then regain all the weight I’d lost and a bit more over time.”
A blood test by her GP in July last year showed Margaret had high sugar levels and was on the verge of becoming diabetic.
She said: “At 76, I was 21-and-a-half-stone and facing diabetes. I’m not getting any younger so I thought I better try something new. I’m also scared of needles!”
Margaret was referred to One You Kent and met Lifestyle Adviser Jan Reid, who is based at the Margate Family Hub. Margaret said: “I had seven, one-to-one sessions learning about healthy eating, activity and the importance of wellbeing. I then joined a weight loss group based at Ramsgate Your Leisure Centre led by Weight Loss Adviser Emma Crow, and learnt about food portions, fibre, fats and sugars.
“I lost around two pounds-a-week until the end of the year and then it’s been a bit slower with some weeks no weight off at all, but I’ve stuck with it. Jan has really helped me stay on track when I feel like I’ve not made any progress. In total I’ve lost five stones, but that weight is staying off because I’ve made lifestyle changes, not a ‘lose weight quick’ diet. I’m no longer pre-diabetic.
“The advice that you get and knowing whatever happens I have the right support, has been brilliant.”
Margaret has even set up sessions in her own home with friends from Thanet University of the Third Age (u3a), a local community group for the over 50s, to help friends join her on her healthy lifestyle journey.
Jan said: “Margaret has done amazingly well. It has been a privilege to support this lovely lady. Even after reversing her pre-diabetic diagnosis, she’s continued with her healthy diet and lifestyle changes, which have benefitted her physical and emotional health and she’s now inspired her friends in Thanet u3a to follow her lead – well done Margaret.”
Would you like a healthier lifestyle, but are not sure where to start? Visit www.oneyoukent.org.uk or phone 0300 123 1220 to find out how they could help YOU!
Eating well is one of the best ways to reach a healthy weight and feel better about life. Check out our ‘Food Smart’ film series for some great healthy eating ideas and information on food labelling, cooking on a budget, snacking well and watching your sugar intake.
