A Scottish dad who weighed over 23 stones managed to reverse his type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure by shedding a whopping 116 pounds.
John Dick was forced to take medication after being diagnosed with the life-changing condition along with a host of other weight-related health problems in 2017.
But in January 2019, the now 51-year-old decided to give up his fast food diet in order to lose weight for good as he approached a milestone birthday.
John Dick reversed his type 2 diabetes and took off his medication after giving up his fast food habit
(Image: Collect)
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He joined a Slimming World group in Falkirk after a leaflet fell through his door – and has not looked back since.
Despite delicious meals like chicken curry, the father of two managed to lose a total of 8.4 pounds in just 12 months.
He has since developed a new love for running that has helped him fit back into the kilt he wore to his wedding 30 years ago.
John said, “I came to Slimming World in January 2019 and weighed 23st 4.5lbs.
“I was about to turn 50, which was a huge factor for me, even though the main reason was that I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in late 2017.
“To be honest, it wasn’t a surprise. I knew I was overweight, constantly tired and out of breath, had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and severe back pain.
“After the diagnosis, I had to take two tablets a day because of my diabetes. I was starting to wonder what should I do about it?
The father of two now fits back into the kilt he wore at his wedding 30 years ago
(Image: Robert Perry)
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“I tried to lose weight on my own in 2018 by just cutting back and paying attention to what I was eating, but it was slow and I only lost about a stone.
“I knew if I wanted to be healthier by 50, I needed help.”
After receiving a brochure for the Claire Aitknehead-led Carron and Carronshore Slimming World group, John followed up and soon saw results.
He added, “I began to see the weight drop pretty quickly just by changing my eating habits and not exercising at this point.
“When I went back to my health team, a nurse I saw at the beginning was amazed at my progress and said she wished I could come back and talk to all of her patients.
“In just over 12 months I lost over 8 stones and my health has improved dramatically.
“My diabetes is in remission, I have been off all my medication for over a year and I feel fantastic.
“My blood pressure is normal, my cholesterol level is no longer high and I no longer suffer from the back pain that I had before.
John has now completed two 10k running events
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“I have so much more energy, I started running and climbed 3 miles on the couch. I run 2-3 times a week and completed the Edinburgh Marathon 10K, two years in a row.
“When I crossed the finish line and shared a post on Facebook, the support I received from my Slimming World group was phenomenal.
“I am so proud of what I have achieved. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t lost weight before the lockdown.
“Now the restrictions are loosening, I see people I haven’t seen in a while and they can’t believe the difference in me.
“I’m a local boy scout leader and when one of the parents I knew well didn’t recognize me at all, it really became clear to me what changes I had made.
“I know that I have inspired others to take part too.”
John now loves making meals from scratch and admits that he hadn’t previously thought he would have time to go to the kitchen reaching for comfortable food.
John shared how some people don’t recognize him after losing all of his weight
(Image: Robert Perry)
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“When I think of what I used to eat before I came to Slimming World, it was always fast food. We have two grown children Iain, 27, and Ewan, 23.
“When I think back to when the boys were little, I can tell that we have now developed some bad habits. I never thought I’d have time to prepare food, so we quickly got something like pizza or pie and chips.
“I wouldn’t even think about what I’m eating. Now I plan my meals and I am never hungry. I cook everything fresh and ok, maybe it takes a little longer, but not always and yet it’s so much healthier.
“My favorite food from Slimming World is the crustless quiche and I also love the chicken curry, it’s delicious.
“I don’t miss any group because the support I get there is fantastic and motivates me,” he said.
Dr. Jacquie Lavin, Head of Research and Scientific Affairs at Slimming World, says, “The lifestyle changes John made and the benefits he reports are incredible.
“Our research has shown that people with type 2 diabetes can manage their weight and control their diabetes by making simple diet and activity changes, and there is absolutely no need to follow very low-calorie or restrictive diets to improve their health.
“More than half (54%) of those who had been members of Slimming World for six months or more and had lost at least 10% of their body weight said they had managed to reverse their condition.”
IN FRONT
Breakfast: any cereal
Lunch: Burger and fries from the burger van at work
Dinner: cake and fries
Snacks: really everything – chocolate, cookies, chips, salted nuts
AFTER THIS
Breakfast: Slimming World cooked breakfast – scrambled or boiled eggs or lean grilled bacon, grilled low fat sausage, grilled tomatoes and beans
Lunch: vegetable chilli with rice
Dinner: chicken curry
Snacks: popcorn, banana and apples
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