NHS authorized weight-loss plan helps Cumbria girl keep away from diabetes

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An NHS-sponsored weight loss plan helped a 74-year-old woman overcome her family history of diabetes.

Janeanne Gilfillan of North Cumbria downsized five dress sizes and reduced her BMI by 14.5 after enrolling in the NHS Healthier You National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).

She started the online WW (formerly Weight Watchers) plan in October 2020 after dropping 3.5 pounds on the scales with 15 stones.

Her brother had previously been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

She said, “My eating problems started when I was 18 years old and married with young children.

“I felt unloved and became a hermit and didn’t want to go out because I was so tall and felt

uncomfortable.

“I started having binge eating, which resulted in me becoming an emotional eater. I was also in counseling about depression during this time.

“When my brother got sick, I had to take care of him, which made my struggle even more difficult and a lifelong cycle of binge eating and depression continued.”

Janeanne had taken care of herself again, but sank back into depression during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, she was inspired to lose weight after seeing a poster promoting the program. She now only weighs 11 pounds

She added, “My husband and family were so patient with me and during the initial lockdown I finally faced my weight loss problem and realized that only I could do something about it.

“WW taught me to eat a lot more, but the right types of foods. I used to sit around in my dressing gown all day, but now when I’m awake I put on my fitness gear so I’m good to go.

“Now I can walk and don’t have to worry about hills, I won’t get out of breath or have to use my inhaler.

“I can order one-size-fits-all clothing online, my mental state has improved and I can walk around the park with my great-grandchildren – everyday life is just better!”

People with diabetes are at least twice as likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.