Kay: It’s never too late to change

Start weight: 22st 1.5lb | Weight loss: 9st 11lb*
Current weight: 12st 4.5lb 
Height: 5' 8"|  Age: 63
Studio: Hoo, Rochester 
WW Coach: Kelly Taylor   

When you’re in your 60s, it’s very easy to sit back and think you’ve got no choice but to accept that this is how things are going to be for the rest of your life. Just over 18 months ago, at the age of 61, I weighed over 22st, I could barely walk, I was in a lot of pain and I was taking a dozen tablets a day for health problems including diabetes, cholesterol and arthritis. Today, I’m almost 10st lighter and I no longer need a stick or mobility scooter and I’m not taking a single tablet. I couldn’t be happier!

Losing weight had been on my ‘to do’ list for a long time. When my mum died in 2005, I remember hearing of a man who hadn’t been able to be cremated on the same day because he was too large. I remember thinking, ‘I never want to put my own family through that pain or embarrassment.’ But it took me over a decade to finally get my head around it.

When I finally did join WW, I couldn’t imagine losing anything like 10st, so I would set myself little goals of one or two stone at a time. I loved the app and would scan everything in sight in the supermarket. The weight came off steadily to the point where I was healthy enough to have a hip replacement. It’s transformed my mobility and I’m no longer in pain.

My whole attitude to cooking has changed, and I’m a lot more adventurous. I would never have dreamed of doing anything with butternut squash – I wouldn’t have known where to start – but the recipes give you so much inspiration. As someone who has had type 2 diabetes, I try to avoid carbs as much as I can, so if I need energy I’ll go for something like a banana or apple. I’m really into making soups, and will often make a big pot. Plus I can still enjoy a muffin.

I’m only a few pounds off goal now and I can’t believe how far I’ve come. Walking into that first WW Workshop altered my life, and I am living proof that it’s never too late to change.

My favourite things about WW:

• You never have to go hungry. Even if you have used all your daily SmartPoints, there are still plenty of ZeroPoint foods to eat. Skinless chicken breast, eggs, fish and fat-free yogurt means the plan is so versatile. With just a bit of seasoning or a few herbs you can make a tasty meal. Fruit with yogurt makes a nice dessert too.
• The whole family can enjoy the same foods. There is something for everyone.   
• As well as the barcode scanner, I use the app for recipe inspiration.

I walk to the local park as it’s something I haven’t been able to do for a few years due to my hip. I still have to use my stick for long distances and getting on and off trains, but that’s mostly for reassurance. 

*Kay joined WW in January 2016.