Client Experiences
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Before I started my weight loss and healthier living approach I was like a lot of other people. I knew I needed to lose weight, get fitter and take better care of myself. However, there were always good reasons why I should start in a couple of weeks time.It was easy to get in from work, open a bottle of wine, cook a nice (but invariably high calorie) meal and fall asleep in front of the TV. My weight was steadily increasing and my clothes were getting tighter and tighter.In terms of activity, simple tasks such as tying my shoe laces became an effort. Group exercise sessions didn't appeal to me because I felt like I didn't look good. I felt even worse on the inside. As a result I carried on eating and drinking more than I needed to. Although I had high blood pressure, it was easy to take my medication and carry on.
I recently experienced a health scare where I was diagnosed with an atrial flutter which was causing an irregular fast heart beat. I was told that the underlying causes of this were often due to high blood pressure, obesity and prolonged excessive alcohol intake. It looked like my lifestyle had caught up with me.It was a couple of weeks later that I remembered receiving an email from Achieve Oxford about the free 12 week vouchers available with Slimming World. I had also seen a TV programme explaining that you are more likely to succeed with weight loss if you are part of a recognised face to face programme.Within a couple of days I signed myself up, received my free voucher and got started!
At my highest weight I was over 18st. Since my Achieve referral for Slimming World vouchers I have lost over 2st. I now weigh just under 16st.
Weight aside, my blood pressure is down to 120/70 (within the normal range) and have never felt better.During the 12 weeks I also cut back on my alcohol intake. That's not to say that I won't ever have a drink again. However, giving up is a good tactic if you want to lose weight quickly and improve your health.But it isn't just about dieting, exercise helps too. I also took up swimming and now go three times a week. Adding in exercise makes it easier to lose weight and does wonders for my self confidence.
Although men are in the minority at Slimming World, it really hasn't made any difference to my experience. I don't feel out of place at all and we are all treated exactly the same.
Before starting, I liked reading that by changing your eating and drinking behaviour, you needn't be hungry and by planning what you ate you could consistently lose weight by following a few simple rules.As someone who has always cooked meals and not relied on ready meals, it was the extensive recipe section and useful advice on healthy ingredient substitutes that were really appealing to me.The people in my group are friendly and welcoming. Shortly after I joined Slimming World, I went on holiday and was disappointed to have gained 3lbs at the next weigh in. However it was the encouragement from the Slimming World consultant that made all the difference and I came back the following week having lost the 3lbs and was back on track.
Absolutely. Although I have lost over 2st, I now want to lose another 2st to get out of the 'obese' BMI range. I have already signed up for another 12 weeks with Slimming World to help me remain focused on my overall goal of getting down to 14st.The Achieve Oxford programme gave me the chance, the incentive and the kick-start I needed to actively address a healthier lifestyle through Slimming World. I feel a lot better in so many ways. A recognised programme really gave me the incentive I needed.
