Slimmers share tips for those struggling with their weight during lockdown

However, keeping fit and healthy has never been more important and the government is encouraging the nation to eat well and be more active as we all try to fight back against the virus.

Being overweight is not only about the way we look but it also puts us at higher risk of developing diabetes or having a stroke or heart attack. Carrying extra pounds also makes you more likely to become seriously ill should you catch Covid-19.

Everyone’s circumstances will be different, but a group of slimmers from across East Sussex are offering their top tips to inspire the motivation needed to change our habits and enable us to lose weight and keep it off – even during these most challenging times.

Jan Whiting, from Eastbourne, has improved her blood pressure and cholesterol, after losing an amazing five stone.

Jan said: “I started my Slimming World journey back in 2016 and I have never looked back.

“ It’s one of the best things I have ever done.

“Christmas 2015 was awful, I’d hit a real low, I couldn’t find any lovely sparkly clothes for all the upcoming Christmas parties, I couldn’t get anything pretty in my size. I decided there and then I was going to do something about it.

“In early January 2016 a leaflet dropped through the letter box from our local Slimming World group, the very next Tuesday I plucked up the courage to go. I was terrified. I needn’t have been worried, I was greeted with nothing but kindness and friendliness. I was weighed and to say I was mortified is an understatement. Five stone had crept on.

“I knew I was overweight but not by that much. My consultant said, ‘you will never be this weight again’ and I’m happy to say I never have.

“The best bit is I can now go to almost any shop or buy clothes online and they not only fit but look good too.”

Jan’s lockdown tip is to take control.

She said: “It might seem silly to suggest taking time out when many of us are spending more time at home than ever, but it’s still important to practice a little self-care.

“There’s a lot happening in the world that we can’t control and that can start to impact our motivation to stay in control of our eating and activity habits, but actually looking after ourselves is something we can control.

“So as well as staying on track with any healthy eating plans or keeping up with your regular activity, it’s important to schedule in some ‘me’ time too.

“Run a hot bubble bath and give yourself a pamper, pop on your favourite podcast or settle down with a book or magazine.”

Rosemary Holmes, also from Eastbourne, has dropped five dress sizes, having slimmed from a size 22 to a size 12.

Rosemary has been maintaining her target weight, even during lockdown, and keeps her focus by attending her Slimming World group online every week and trying on her favourite Laura Ashley skirt to ensure she’s ready to wear it with pride once lockdown eases.

Rosemary’s top tip is to stay in touch throughout lockdown.

She said: “It’s easy to feel isolated during lockdown – as well as missing family and friends, just missing your normal day-to-day routine can have a big impact on the way you feel and, as a result, your eating and activity habits.

“Staying connected is now more important than ever – and not just for your weight loss. Sometimes you just need a laugh with your mates to lift your spirits.”

Patricia Treacey has lost 5st 3.5lbs in the past year.

She also joined Sliming World but found that getting active helped keep her healthy.

She said: “Your usual gym might be closed but there are still plenty of ways to get active in lockdown, if you’d like to.

“Remember exercise isn’t just good for your body – it’s a great mood-booster too. There are loads of online classes you can try out – from HIIT to salsa-cize. Current guidelines also suggest we can get out limitlessly in our local area to be physically active, so fit in a daily walk if you can, or set yourself a challenge like completing Couch to 5K. Anything that raises your heart rate counts.”

A 52-year-old man from Rye, who was told by his doctors that he needed to change his lifestyle to get himself back on track, has urged others to join the healthier living programmes being offered by One You East Sussex, the county’s healthy lifestyle service.

When Rod Crew was referred to the One You service by his doctor, he was not watching what he ate or drank and did little, if any, exercise.

However, now, with support, his diet has changed, he drinks within the recommended units and has progressed so much with his exercise that he is now running on average eight kilometres a few times a week. He has been able to come off or reduce some blood pressure medication and pain relief and, in terms of his BMI, he has gone from obese to healthy.

Rod said: “My GP explained to me that we had tried all blood pressure medication, which has proved to be of little effect.

“In her opinion, I needed to change my lifestyle, if the medication was going to work effectively. I had been told before by doctors that I needed to change my lifestyle, but I didn’t really understand what that meant.

“Now that I have lost weight, it has totally changed my life. Not only has my blood pressure come down to a safe level, but I genuinely feel so much better. My clothes now fit my frame properly and it has given me more confidence than I’ve ever had before. With this and regular exercise, I feel my general mental wellbeing has also greatly improved. I feel like a new man.”

One You East Sussex offers free support to quit smoking, lose weight, move more and drink less. In 2020, more than 870 people used participated in the weight management programme and 2,066 people participated in all of the available programmes.

Hannah Clifford, from Bexhill-on-Sea, is another Slimming World success story after losing five stone in six months in 2005 and later became a consultant for the weight loss programme.

She said: “Lockdown wasn’t great for my weight loss journey but I’m still on a journey as we all are. Slimming World is a way of life for me now and I will absolutely never look back. I love everything about the plan and especially as it fits around family life, plus I can still eat chips and lose weight.”