Local woman Teresa had been overweight for as long as she could remember. She was ill as a child and as she recovered, she was fed lots to “build her up”. Her parents had a chip shop in Athlone, which didn’t help her weight problem.
In later years, Teresa cared for her beloved mother before she passed away and it was her mother’s wish for Teresa to try and lose weight, for the sake of her health. By now Teresa was a size 22. She was borderline type 1 diabetic, type 2 diabetic, and had high cholesterol. Her cousin had lost two and a half stone with Slimming World, so she plucked up the courage to join Slimming World in Athlone.
“I will never forget the date, August 21, 2013, as the date that changed my whole outlook on life, my figure, and my health,” says Teresa.
“I got a lovely warm welcome from the consultant, Pauline, who explained I could eat unlimited potatoes, pasta, rice, and dried egg noodles, vegetable, fruit, fish, and meat - all my favourite foods, just prepared differently. My husband Martin was happy to eat the same home-cooked meals and lost weight too. To date, he has lost almost five stone! I have lost three and a half stone. I am no longer type 2 diabetic, I am now just glucose intolerant. My cholesterol level has gone from 6.8 down to 4.3. My doctor is delighted with me.”
Teresa looks forward to going to group every week. “We swap recipe ideas and get great motivation for the week ahead. If anyone out there is struggling with their weight, I would heartily recommend it - you’ve nothing to lose, only your weight!”
Pauline has opened a new morning group at 11.30am in the Athlone Springs Hotel every Wednesday morning. Joining is easy, just come along or call Pauline on (087 ) 1878701.
