A Cockermouth woman is celebrating after dropping six dress sizes by losing five stones.
Pauline Croall, 62, took the decision to join Slimming World in 2018 and said she has never looked back.
She said: “I had been overweight for as long as I could remember and when I retired in 2015, I gained more weight, I also started with arthritis and despite the rheumatologist suggesting it would help if I lost weight, I took no notice.
“Even after a doctor referral for Slimming World I carried on with an unhealthy eating lifestyle and no exercise whatsoever.
“It was only in May 2018 when I was lying in bed in Tenerife after a night on the wine and big meal that I got a text from my daughter asking me to go with her to Slimming World as she was due back at work after maternity leave and wanted to lose her baby weight.
“Then reality kicked in – how at size 24/26 would I be able to look after a nine-month-old baby carrying excess weight and aching joints? I said yes.”
Before losing the weight, she said she would not have gone out for a walk by herself.
Pauline added: “I felt self-conscious walking alone and I was also out of breath in no time. I live about a mile out of town, with a few inclines. I never walked into town, whereas now I walk regularly down to the town and back, walk most days around the estate where I live and since getting my Apple watch, I have become obsessed with beating the daily and monthly challenges.
“Prior to losing weight I also struggled to find clothes in my size, I couldn’t walk into a high street store and pick something off the display, I was always looking for plus size shops. Now it is great at a size 14 to be able to have so much more choice.
“Since losing weight my blood pressure my blood pressure has reduced dramatically and the biggest change to my health has been the arthritis especially in my knees – the impact of being five stones lighter has certainly helped my joints. I am no longer breathless when walking and playing with my four-year-old grandson.
“Joining Slimming World in 2018 was the best thing I’ve ever done about my health and body, the friendship and support at class is amazing. We are all there for the same goal, staying at class and listening to others, picking up tips and just supporting each other when things haven’t gone to plan.
“My weight loss journey didn’t happen overnight, I have had to learn to be patient with myself, I found willpower I didn’t know I has – nothing makes me feel so proud of myself when I meet someone I haven’t seen for a while and their reaction to my weight loss. I hope my story will encourage anyone thinking of joining – I just wish I had done so earlier.”
Vicky Beck, who runs groups in Cockermouth and is Pauline’s consultant, added: “Pauline is a inspiration to myself and the other members in group.
“She was recently awarded the group’s greatest loser and her diamond target member award, which means she has maintained her amazing weight loss for a full year!
