"I know it’s me who has ultimately made the changes, but the Livewell advisers, volunteers, and the wonderful people in my group are also part of my success."
After decades of yo-yo dieting with well-known diet clubs, Carolyn, from Chaddesden, joined Livewell in search of a sustainable approach to weight loss. Her motivation was not only her health but also to look and feel her best at her daughter’s wedding next year. Now, 11 months later, she considers it the best decision she’s ever made, having lost 3 stone, feeling fighting fit, and putting her diabetes into remission.
"I tried all the well-known diet clubs over the last five decades, but none helped me maintain weight loss. My daughter's wedding was a strong motivator for finding a sustainable approach to lose weight and keep it off," she explains.
With encouragement from a work colleague and her diabetic nurse at Park Medical Practice, Carolyn decided to join Livewell. She found the activation group sessions at Springwood Leisure Centre invaluable, combining practical nutrition education with circuits-based exercise classes led by friendly advisers Andy and Stu. Volunteer Natalie was instrumental in guiding clients on using the app to book classes, understanding exercises, and sharing her own client experiences. In this safe space, Carolyn quickly forged friendships.
“We have a giggle, we moan when things aren’t going to plan and we support each other,” she says.
"I loved adding new resources to my Livewell folder and discovering tools to help me on my journey," Carolyn notes. "The Time to Livewell activity taught me that even the busiest people can schedule time for meal planning and exercise, and the takeaway ranking task opened my eyes to the fat, salt, and sugar content in fast food and ready meals."
A pivotal moment was learning the impact of Ultra Processed Foods on health, which shifted her to cooking fresh meals instead of relying on ready meals. At 63, Carolyn donned boxing gloves for the first time in the Boxwell class and embraced activities she never imagined trying. Livewell's variety of opportunities fit around her shift patterns, and completing pledge points unlocked even more classes and access to facilities like Derby Arena, Springwood Leisure Centre, and Moorways Sports Village—all for free!
"I never thought I’d enjoy exercise, but I now look forward to it, especially the Livewell circuits class, which adapts moves to suit everyone’s pace—crucial for my heart condition management," she says.
Livewell's challenges, like Start Over September, helped Carolyn maintain focus and restart healthy habits after a summer lull. She proudly completed the maximum number of tasks and earned a Livewell water bottle.
Recent tests reveal Carolyn’s diabetes is in remission, much to the delight of her doctor and diabetic nurse.
"I feel confident and ready to celebrate my daughter’s wedding next year. Being a happy and healthy mother of the bride will make me enormously proud."
The only downside to her life-changing weight loss? "Going from a size 18 to a 12 means I need an entirely new wardrobe!"