A 75-year-old pensioner has described feeling 20 years younger after losing over seven stone and reversing his type 2 diabetes.
John Morton, from Greenock, weighed 20st 11lb at his heaviest. The retired businessman had type 2 diabetes and other health issues, taking up to ten different prescription medications. He had been unable to buy jeans for years due to his waist size and was often out of breath.
Weight loss journey begins
Last year, he spoke to a nurse at Gourock Health Centre and was referred to the Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service, then to Slimming World.
John said: “Every part of my life has improved since losing weight and I never would have been able to do it if the nurse at Greenock Health Centre didn’t refer me. My breathing has improved, I have increased mobility and I’ve reversed my type 2 diabetes. It’s also motivated me to make other changes to my lifestyle. I can now exercise, walk more and my increased energy means I’m able to enjoy life.
“At the time of referral, I was 20st 11lb. I was taking up to 10 different types of prescription medication and was depressed with my health. Fast-forward a year and I’ve lost over 7st, I have the same waist size I had when I left school aged 18, and I can finally buy a pair of jeans that fit me straight off the shelf.”
Support and encouragement
The service supports individuals who are overweight or have diabetes (T1 and T2), heart disease, or have had a stroke. Weight loss can improve these conditions, and referrals can be discussed with a GP or health professional, or via self-referral.
John was triaged to Community Weight Management, which provides free 12-week memberships with Slimming World or Weight Watchers. He consistently met his targets, entitling him to repeated free blocks for a year.
He said: “When I joined Slimming World, I was sceptical and a bit unsure of what it’d be like, but I met other folk like me and have made good pals with a guy in a similar situation. I never felt like I was on a diet either. Slimming World’s healthy eating plan just changed my understanding of food, and my wife Anna’s cooking has been a great help to keep me on track.
“I’d say to anyone – especially men – don’t be embarrassed about talking to your doctor or nurse about your weight. You can get into a rut, and you can overthink it, but honestly, just go and speak to them. If you really want to do it, it’ll work out.”
Health professionals praise progress
Linda Morris, Programme Manager for Healthy Weight at NHSGGC, said: “John’s story is proof of what’s possible with an effective, sustainable weight loss journey through practical lifestyle changes. He’s also shown how small changes can make a big difference and we’re here to help anyone who’s worried about their weight and needs support to take the first step on the journey.”
Slimming World Consultant in Gourock and Greenock, Lorraine McCallum, said: “John’s transformation has been incredible to witness. We know that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent and alleviate lots of health conditions and John is living proof of this. With each passing week, he made small changes which have had huge benefits to his health and his life. I couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come.”
