Debra, from Derby, has lost an impressive four stone in the last ten months – three and a half stone of that with Livewell. She describes her journey as “extremely tough but incredibly rewarding”. Living with long Covid, arthritis, the menopause, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and borderline diabetes, 60-year-old Debra shows that it is possible to make positive lifestyle changes even when managing multiple health conditions.
Reaching a turning point
Sporty and athletic at school, Debra’s weight began to creep on in her twenties. Over the years, she joined several diet clubs and lost weight in her thirties and forties, but each time she stopped, the weight – and more – came back. After the pandemic, she found herself at her heaviest, feeling constantly tired, breathless and struggling with joint pain linked to long Covid
Looking for support online, she came across Livewell again.
“In spring 2025 I reached the point where I genuinely believed I would not be around much longer if I did not lose weight and improve my health. I had looked at Livewell back in 2018, but the time was not right for me to commit back then. This time I decided it had to be different – it was my time to put me and my health first. I signed up online and started changing my eating habits straight away, so by the time I joined Livewell a couple of months later, I had already lost half a stone.”
Getting started with activity and education
Debra remembers feeling nervous arriving at her first activation session at Derby Arena in July.
“I was apprehensive walking into that first session. Advisors, Marianna and Gemma welcomed us, but the circuits class was a huge shock to the system – my body did not know what had hit it after being inactive for so long. I felt exhausted at the end, but the buzz from the endorphins made me feel alive again, and I knew I was doing something good for my heart health and fitness.”
She quickly collected her pledge points, trying a range of Livewell sessions including yoga, stretch and relax and Dance IT.
“The variety of classes was amazing. Once I had my gym and class pass for Derby Arena and Springwood Leisure Centre, I tried other low‑impact sessions that were kinder on my painful knees, shoulders and hips.”
The healthy eating education sessions were another turning point.
“We all think we know what ‘healthy’ looks like, but having a proper refresher was so important. I have cut out sugar and unhealthy fats, stopped buying processed foods and now cook fresh meals. It has completely changed how I shop and eat.”
Managing pain and moving safely
To support her arthritis and joint pain, Debra also joined ESCAPE‑Pain – a free, five‑week rehabilitation programme for Livewell clients and Moorways Sports Village customers, delivered jointly by Livewell and the Moorways team. The course helps people manage osteoarthritis and low back and hip pain through tailored exercise and education.
“I did not miss one of the ten sessions. The course leaders were excellent – they showed us safe positions, offered lower‑impact options to protect our joints and gradually built up our confidence. My painful knees and shoulders definitely benefitted from the course.”
Debra credits her advisor, Marianna, with helping her stay motivated and safe.
“Marianna is so positive and motivating. She checks in on me, is very approachable and gives really practical advice, from meal ideas to how to exercise safely. She has taught me how to engage my core properly, the importance of warming up and cooling down, and how to pace myself so I avoid injury.”
The results – and what comes next
Ten months on, the results speak for themselves.
“I have lost four stone in total and 13 inches from my waist. I am also down four dress sizes. Before, I hated clothes shopping and hid in baggy basics. Now I have had to buy a whole new wardrobe from shops I could not fit into before. My blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels have all come down. I am certain that if I had not lost the weight and changed my diet and activity levels, I would be diabetic by now.”
Debra is honest that the journey has not been easy.
“It has been hard work, and there have been challenging days, but I have stuck with it, and I am determined to reach my target weight. Keeping the weight off will always be something I need to think about, but I feel much more confident now. I have the tools, support and mindset to stay on track – and still enjoy treats and meals out in a balanced way.”
Livewell advisor, Marianna is proud of Debra’s achievements and added:
Debra’s story shows how structured support, education and steady lifestyle changes can transform health, confidence and quality of life – even when starting with multiple health conditions and a long history of weight struggles.
