A mum who decided her weight was "getting ridiculous" after routine blood tests went on to lose 10st, which she says saved her life. Chris Hayward weighed more than 21st at her heaviest, taking clothes in size 28 to 30.
But after going for a routine appointment with her GP, she decided it was time to change her life.
Chris, 65, from the Wirral, told the LiverpoolECHO: "I went to my GP just for some routine blood tests and one came back as being really borderline for diabetes. I've got diabetes type two in my family and I'm thinking 'I don't want to go down that track if I can avoid it.'
"I just thought it was getting ridiculous. I spent 20-odd years as a size 24 and then in a few weeks leading up to this I'd put on quite a lot of weight in a really short space of time and gone up several sizes. I was thinking 'this is silly I've got to do something about this, otherwise I'm not going to be around for my kids'."
After some initial reservations, Chris joined her local Slimming World group in August 2018. She said she was made to feel welcome by everyone there.
Within just four months, a further set of blood tests showed she was back within normal range. Chris was no longer at risk of developing type two diabetes. By Christmas the following year Chris had lost seven-and-a-half stone through following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan and its Body Magic programme, which encourages members to build their physical activity levels at their own pace.
Chris said: “Along with eating healthier, I also focused on Body Magic. I swam a mile twice a week and walked at least an hour on alternative days, regardless of the weather.
"Three or four miles of relaxing headspace, that feel good factor helped changed my shape in a positive way. I started to like what I saw in the mirror, finally. By my 63rd birthday, I'd lost just over eight stone."
Chris has now lost an incredible 10st 12.5lbs in total after reaching her target weight in June last year and she has dropped from a size 28 to 30 to a size 12 to 14. She said: "I have worked really hard. I've been more determined than ever in my life.
"I think part of it was the welcoming environment and that feeling of comradery you get in group. Basically, you've got to confess each week if you've done well or not and it doesn't matter if you've not, because we've all been there at one time, you get a round of applause either way.
"It's a whole lifestyle to be honest, it's not just the food. I reckon it saved my life in the long run because it stopped me going down the diabetes line and I'm so much fitter and healthier. Virtually everyday someone says how fabulous I look. I feel amazing."
Chris's diet before she lost weight
Breakfast
Cereal and/or toast with jam or marmalade
Lunch
Two packets of sandwiches, crisps and fruit or bar of chocolate
Dinner
Curry or chilli made with a jar of ready made sauce
Snacks
Average of three packets of crisps a day
Chris's diet now
Breakfast
Two small pieces of wholemeal toast with scrambled egg, mushrooms and tomatoes
Lunch
Prawn salad
Dinner
Gammon, egg, tomatoes and salad
Snacks
Low-calorie packet of crisps or fruit
