Waterlooville Slimming World member with type 2 diabetes celebrates 6.5 stone weight loss

During Diabetes Week, Cindy Haveron is celebrating feeling like a new person since joining a Waterlooville slimming group three years ago after being prompted by an unflattering photograph of herself.

Although Cindy was unable to join groups during the week due to her job at East Hampshire District Council, when consultant Lea Wood opened a Saturday group Cindy went along to try it out.

Cindy said: ‘My diabetic nurse and doctor had been telling me for years I had to lose weight and I never found it easy to do it myself.

‘It was a family wedding that made me realise I have got to do something. I have never looked back since.’

As well as dropping 6st 7lbs with the group, Cindy has gone down five dress sizes from a size 20 or 22 to 10 or 12.

Cindy’s inspirational story backs up Slimming World research showing people with type 2 diabetes improving diabetes control by making healthy lifestyle changes and losing weight.

A poll of 222 members with type 2 diabetes showed 60 per cent were able to reduce or stop taking medication after six months with Slimming World, and 77 per cent saw improvements in blood glucose management.

Cindy said: ‘I would like to pay credit to my husband John because he’s been an absolutely fantastic support and has been on board with it since the beginning.

‘I have made so many new friends through Slimming World, it’s just amazing. The atmosphere is brilliant, we have so much fun. I would never have lost six and a half stone without those girls, that group and Lea.’

Consultant Lea is hoping Cindy’s story will inspire others to improve their health.

She said: ‘Looking after ourselves and our health is more important than ever right now, and the effects Cindy has told us about are incredible.

‘There’s always a warm welcome waiting for you at Slimming World and if you start today you could feel like a completely new person just like Cindy.’

To join the Waterlooville group, call Lea on 07812 210088 or email [email protected].

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