Paul: "I'm really thankful that I signed up and there's no looking back, there's only looking forward!"
My name is Paul. I am 59 years old and work as a lecturer at a cooking school. I've struggled with weight gain for most of my life, and like so many others, I quickly gained weight during the Covid lockdown. I was taking medication for type 2 diabetes and other health issues, and I was becoming increasingly concerned about my health and state of mind. My diabetic dietitian advised that I look into the Counterweight programme. Before signing up, I did some research, joined the Counterweight support group on Facebook, and made sure I understood exactly what the programme was about, what results it had achieved, and what would be expected of me. I was particularly keen to get my diabetes under control and hoping to be able to go off one of the medications I was taking because it wasn’t agreeing with me and causing terrible joint pains.
“I thought Christmas would put pressure on me”
When I started the programme, it was late October and I knew that Christmas was just around the corner. I thought that would put pressure on me, but I had a planned break on Christmas Day and that was fine. Equally, I was really keen to get back on the programme on Boxing Day! Aside from that, my job can be quite stressful at times, and I used to come home at night and have a drink, and I thought that was the bit that I would struggle with the most. But it was fine, and now I don't have to drink at all, which is a huge benefit to my health and mental well-being.
“I used to struggle with my appearance and confidence”
I dropped from 17 and a half stone to just over 15 stone. My HbA1c has dropped from 126mmol/L to 47mmol/L, and my blood glucose levels are normal. My blood pressure is normal, my cholesterol has dropped from 6.5 to 5.2, and I've gone from a double XL to a large clothing size! More than that, I used to struggle with my weight, appearance, and self-esteem. That's all gone now, and I feel so much better and brighter. It's a lifestyle change that has resulted in much healthier decisions. Before I have anything to eat, I always ask myself if I'm hungry. I also learnt that it's important to plan your meals and when you go shopping, know what you're going for so that you're not tempted to go down the biscuit aisle. I also drink plenty of water now.
“The only downside is needing to buy a new wardrobe”
My advice to anyone considering the programme is - if you have a goal in mind, then use as much support and help as you can! Use counterweight for support, as well as your family and friends, and just stay focused. You'll be feeling so much better, both physically, and mentally. The only downside is you need to buy a new wardrobe because none of your clothes are going to fit you!
“This is the first thing that’s really worked for me”
I'll be 60 next year and I've spent my whole life on diets. This is the first thing that's really worked for me and has had such a positive impact on changing my life and my eating habits. So for someone that's thinking of doing it, I would recommend Counterweight 100%! I would wear a counterweight plus badge to support it, because I think it's a great programme. I'm really thankful that I signed up and there's no looking back, there's only looking forward!
