A DUDLEY woman will celebrate this Christmas a much healthier woman than last year after successfully dodging diabetes thanks to the help of a Halesowen slimming group.
Dawn Garratt-Cochrane has shed 77lbs over the past 12 months and has also reversed the threat of diabetes and lowered her cholesterol to a normal level.
The 54-year-old was inspired to change her lifestyle, which involved eating several family sized bags of crisps a day, as she was pre-diabetic and suffering from aching joints.
Dawn, who works as a sewing machinist, explained: “I knew I had to do something so I walked into the Weight Watchers workshop at Haden Cross Fire Station one Friday morning and I have never looked back. Everyone was so welcoming I couldn’t believe it.
“Suddenly, I was in the right frame of mind to lose weight and my husband and daughter have been supportive as well. I don’t crave chocolate or puddings – my downfall are crisps. I would eat several family sized bags a day. I still have them but now in moderation and as a treat. I have found a new love for fruit and roast dinners."
She has also cut out ready meals and now cooks her meals from scratch, along with walking her dog three times a day to keep active.
Dawn also credits her wellness coach, Anne Wythes, for helping her believe in herself to achieve her weight loss goals.
She added: "This Christmas I am ready to party. My self confidence and self esteem has changed dramatically and I now feel like a different person. It’s amazing what can be achieved in a year in relation to weigh loss and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it – just do it."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here