Helen's story

How much weight have you lost and how long did it take?

I have lost 6st 7lbs91lbs41.3kg in total. My starting weight was 16st 6lbs230lbs104.3kg, and I now weigh 6st 7lbs91lbs41.3kg less, putting me right in the middle of the recommended healthy BMI weight. My BMI was in the obese category before.

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

I suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis, asthma and hypertension. I was deep in a fibromyalgia flare, which made it impossible to leave the house, as even when climbing up the stairs, I'd have to stop numerous times to catch my breath and give my muscles a chance to stop cramping.

My mobility was non-existent, and the fatigue was relentless, resulting in me having to resign from a job I loved as a teaching assistant. I'd reduced my hours by half when my fibromyalgia made it impossible to keep working full-time hours, which eventually prevented me from working entirely. It was a decision which wasn't taken lightly and which led to my feeling of self-worth being non-existent. I had piled on the weight due to a lack of mobility and depression.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

A good friend of mine, Donna, who is a great ambassador for Nutracheck, having lost a massive 5st herself, came to visit me one day. She could see I was not myself, as I was miserable. Donna encouraged me to join a group - 'Weight Loss & Healthy Living With Jane' - where the leader is an ambassador for Nutracheck. Donna kindly offered to collect me and take me home to enable me to attend each week.

I knew I needed to do something, but I was very anxious as my legs would give out randomly, and I'd had lots of falls and bumps where I'd lose my balance, all thanks to fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia had taken everything away from me, so I decided enough was enough. I accepted Donna's kind offer and enrolled in a healthy living program, oblivious to the friendships I was going to make. I now have friends for life who like me, and they all use the Nutracheck app and helped me navigate my way around every benefit the Nutracheck app has to offer.

Has your weight stayed fairly consistent over the years, or have you always had to manage it?

I have lost weight in the past, but I have never lost so much as I have managed to now, as before, I always piled it back on. I know by using the Nutracheck app and attending my weekly ‘Weight Loss & Healthy Living With Jane' meetings, I will maintain my goal weight.

Have you experienced any health improvements?

I feel so much healthier. Since losing 6st 7lbs, I have been able to reduce my blood pressure medication from 36mg of Candesartan at the beginning of my weight loss journey in March 2024 to 4mg today. My doctor is confident that very soon, I won't need medication for my blood pressure at all. It is crazy to think that 12 months ago, I was in the red danger zone and had to be monitored daily.

My asthma was horrendous, and I was relying on my daily brown inhaler, which I topped up repeatedly with my blue one on a regular day-to-day basis. I now only use my inhalers if I have a chest infection, which is once or twice a year.

The weight reduction has also eased the pressure on my knees, making my arthritis bearable.

Now I weigh 6st 7lbs less. My mental well-being has drastically improved and given me the ability to cope more positively with my health conditions.

The impact of my weight loss is lower blood pressure readings combined with positive mental health.

How easy was it to fit the changes you made into your lifestyle?

Using the Nutracheck app has made it so easy to count my daily calories and has allowed me to record my weight loss achievements, which has encouraged me to continue to reach my goal weight. Even on a night out, I could refer to the Nutracheck app and make more mindful meal choices without missing out.

What was the most difficult thing about your weight-loss journey?

The most difficult part of my weight loss journey was accepting that it wasn't going to happen overnight and being patient. This was a lifestyle change where I could continue enjoying all of my favourite foods and making sure I logged them honestly on the Nutracheck app. It wasn't going to be easy, but hard work pays off. When I started using the app, I noticed there were so many meal choices, which helped me change my eating habits completely. I still enjoy my old favourites, just not so often, and I always log them honestly on the Nutracheck app in my daily calorie intake.

How do you feel now compared to before?

Although fibromyalgia still impacts my life significantly, and I don't want to mislead any fibromyalgia sufferers of a miracle cure through weight loss, I do want them to realise how much weight loss impacts other conditions, which in turn may improve your quality of life with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia has taken so much away from me both emotionally and physically, whereas weight loss has given me back my self-esteem and confidence, enabling me to remain positive to face any future fibromyalgia challenges that may arise.

I feel amazing now, a little apprehensive about the challenge of maintaining my weight, however, I'm certain that by using the Nutracheck app, it will ensure I remain at my goal weight.

Any notable milestones to report?

My most notable milestone of my weight loss is lower blood pressure readings combined with positive mental health, which are essential when coping daily with my fibromyalgia. I will use Nutracheck to learn how many calories I need in order to maintain my weight and fill in my daily diary so I remain at my goal weight and prevent me from gaining weight.

What 3 tips would you give to anyone who has weight to lose?

1. Be honest when filling in your daily diary; don't miss hidden calories, weigh your food, look for calorie swaps with a lower calorie intake and remember to fill up with salad, vegetables and fruit. Then, wash it down with plenty of water.
2. Don't deprive yourself of anything; moderation is the key to success. Have an easy day worked into your diary and still log and count EVERYTHING, making sure you have set your diary to the easy day option on your Nutracheck app. This allows for that extra treat without feeling any guilt.
3. Remember to weigh in each week on the app to enable you to see your progress or where you maybe going wrong. This is paramount for a good result and encourages you to stay on track.