“I was told I wouldn’t be here in five years if I didn’t change my lifestyle. I lost 16 stone and now I’m medication free!”
Tracy McCormack, 52, from Leven in Fife, has lost 16st 2lbs.
In July 2016 I went to the GP as I was feeling so unwell, my weight caused me to fall asleep at work from time to time – sometimes mid conversation – and I knew something was wrong. I had blood tests taken and they told me the results would take seven days. The next day the GP phoned to say they had to see me urgently, though, and that same day I was diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes. I was told I needed to change my lifestyle, or they couldn’t guarantee I would still be here in five years’ time. I was completely shocked and knew this was the wake-up call I needed.
At this point, I was taking four tablets a day for my diabetes on top of the tablets I was already taking for my blood pressure as it was shockingly high. I was also taking painkillers for my joints – I was in agony all the time and even walking was so painful.
My sister Dawn, who has now lost 5st herself, had joined Slimming World a few months earlier and she was doing so well and loving it too! As soon as I came out of the GP’s office, I phoned Dawn and asked her if I could go with her the following day.
I absolutely dreaded going into the group. Weighing 26st 2.5lbs, I felt certain I was going to be the biggest person there and that everyone would stare at me. I had nothing to worry about, though, as everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I promised myself then I would go every week as I knew I would need the expert advice as well as the support and motivation that everyone in the group brings; if I’ve had a tough week then they always pick me up.
I’d never cooked anything from scratch before, everything I ate was convenience food. We have a farm around the corner which I had never been to before, now I go there to get all my fresh fruit and veg. I love the flexibility of Slimming World’s healthy eating plan – we eat exactly what we ate before, just healthier versions. I never feel hungry and I can still enjoy my favourite treats in moderation too!
I’ve now lost 16st 2lbs and my health has improved dramatically – my diabetes is in remission and my blood pressure is now normal. I no longer need to take medication and I don’t fall asleep in work anymore. I have so much more energy and I can even tie my shoelaces, something I couldn’t do before as I couldn’t bend down.
I make sure I get my recommended steps in every day and I even ran the 10K Race for Life for Cancer Research UK with my Slimming World group, I’m getting more and more active each week thanks to their support and encouragement. I’m now a size 12 and love being able to buy clothes instead of ordering them from speciality shops. I’m also much more sociable. I accept invitations to go out, whereas before I would make excuses not to go.
I really feel Slimming World has saved my life. I love the virtual groups and can’t wait for the physical groups to start again so I can see everyone in person. My Consultant and group are like family to me and offer such a lot of support.
I have so much to look forward to now and feel like a different person.”
*Study polled 222 members with type 2 diabetes in May 2020. Data where blood glucose and weight change is reported refers to members with type 2 diabetes who were members for six months or more.
