Nigel was motivated to change his lifestyle after his GP told him that his excess weight was contributing to newly diagnosed conditions: fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Fast forward 15 months, and Nigel attributes his remarkable success to sensible eating habits and regular exercise. He is now a third lighter, having lost an impressive 6 stone (38 kilos), and has trimmed 8 inches from his waistline.
More importantly, Nigel’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is now within the healthy range. He has managed to reverse his type 2 diabetes, reduce his cholesterol levels to a healthy range, and is free from pain. The 63-year-old joined Livewell’s group at St Martin’s Church in Allenton in April 2025, after completing the diabetes programme.
Nigel reflects, “The educational components of both programmes reinforced each other, solidifying the key messages about maintaining a long-term healthy diet. It’s not complicated—practising portion control and avoiding processed foods where possible is key."
He expresses his gratitude, saying, “Advisors Joe and Andy were fantastic, and I’d like to thank them for their invaluable advice and support. I rarely missed a Tuesday evening session, actively participating in the circuits class and enjoying the camaraderie with other clients and regular weigh-ins.”
Nigel has exchanged chip-shop dinners and Chinese takeaways for home-made ‘fakeaways,’ such as salmon and prawn curry rich in heart-healthy omega fats. He opts for olive oil instead of ghee. He admits, “I’m too lazy to count calories, so I’ve applied common sense and discipline. It doesn’t have to be difficult. The guidance on using your fist or palm for portion sizes is particularly useful. I seldom snack now, but if I do, it’s on fresh or dried fruit. I’ve greatly reduced my red meat consumption over the past year and make my own sauces from scratch.”
Having been an avid squash player since age 30, Nigel switched to racket ball, a slower-paced game, in his fifties and plays three times a week. He shares his enthusiasm: “Since losing weight, I'm one of the few club members who has improved their performance with age! I can move around the court more easily now and beat players I couldn’t before shedding the weight.”
Consistent with his Tuesday night circuits class, Nigel notes his progress: “I’ve gone from being unable to perform a star jump due to joint pain to jumping effortlessly for a full minute. It’s a reflection of the progress I’ve made.”
In his sixties, Nigel feels fitter, stronger, and healthier than he was a decade earlier. He is also giving back to the community by volunteering as a walk leader for Wellbeing Walks organised by Livewell and the Ramblers, which are available to all residents in Derby. His Sunday walks take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at Elvaston Castle, meeting at Keldhome Community Centre at 8.30am. He warmly invites others, “It would be wonderful to have more people join us in the spring and summer. We welcome new walkers, whether Livewell members or the public. It’s a great way to start your day.”
Nigel concludes by saying, “I’m determined to lose the final two kilos to meet my target, and then it’s about maintaining my weight. I’ll soon complete my Livewell journey, but I’ll carry Joe and Andy’s advice about returning to good habits after a celebratory meal or indulgent day. I might be two-thirds the physical man I was, but I’m 100% more confident mentally!”