Helensburgh woman sheds six stone at Slimming Word after diagnosis

Kathleen Garfoot has slimmed down five dress sizes after losing 6st 3lbs and has described how she feels like her old self again.

She had been a successful member of Slimming World previously but her weight crept back on during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After the lockdown had ended, the Helensburgh resident felt that she couldn't walk around town as she had before. Her joints ached and her mobility had become affected too.

Kathleen was suffering from aches in her joints and poor mobility (Image: Jo Nairn)

As a result, she went to the doctor and was told she would need medication for her hypertension.

Unwilling to go down that road, she knew that Slimming World could help.

She had also noticed that fewer of her clothes were fitting, and when she was going out for a meal or a drink with her husband, she was making excuses on why they shouldn't go.

This was a turning point for Kathleen.

She said: "I rejoined one of Jo Nairn's Slimming World groups in September 2022 because my health had become a worry, and my mobility and confidence had suffered during lockdown, so enough was enough.

"I had done Slimming World before and I knew that it had worked for me with good healthy food and encouraging us to make new habits and break old ones.

"I was a bit nervous about coming back because I had gained weight since the last time I saw Jo but I needn't have worried. It was like I was never away.

"I come and stay to group every week and find that the encouragement and support that I get from Jo and the other members is invaluable to me and my weight loss - but I also enjoy what I can give to the group.

"I enjoy sharing my recipes, tips and sometimes my struggles - they are always there to help me out too."

Kathleen dropped five dress sizes after sticking to a Slimming World plan (Image: Jo Nairn)

Kathleen has slimmed down from a size UK 24 to a UK 14 and she said it has changed her life for the better.

"Shopping for clothes is so much more fun now," she continued.

"It had become a nightmare and I dreaded going clothes shopping. Not anymore. I love it now and enjoy trying things on, knowing that they are going to fit.

"I really enjoy going out for a meal with my husband and family, and I can always find things on the menu that I love, and even a glass of wine.

"It has changed my life for the better. The way I think about food has changed, and that will stay with me for life.

"I can now go out and about and not worry about how walking will make me feel. I am so much fitter and can mobilise freely.

"Losing weight isn't just about getting into a smaller size, it's about getting back to the way you used to feel. You do forget how confident you once were. I have my life back."

She said that her life has completely changed for the better since losing weight (Image: Jo Nairn)

Slimming World groups in Helensburgh run on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5.30pm in the Masonic Hall in West Princes Street.

For more information or to sign up, contact Jo on 07923695023.