Philip and Melissa, a couple from Alvaston, have shed an impressive 38.5 kilograms (5 stone 9 pounds) in just seven months, with Melissa successfully bringing her BMI into a healthy range. They credit their success to their steadfast support for one another, as well as the encouragement from Livewell and their peers. Here are their responses to our questions:
What motivated you to join Livewell, and how would you describe your life before starting the programme?
Philip: Honestly? It was my blood pressure. It was climbing faster than Becky in a circuits warm-up, and I thought, “Right, Philip, time to sort yourself out before something pops!” Before Livewell, I felt sluggish, unmotivated, and a bit fed up with myself. I knew I needed to change, but my motivation was about as reliable as Derby’s weather. Joining Livewell was my “Come on mate, enough is enough” moment.
Melissa: I felt compelled to support Philip while improving my own health. Being able to take part in Livewell together meant we could support each other.
How would you describe your experience with the activation group and the Livewell sessions overall?
The activation group has become like a second family to us — except this family encourages you to sweat and doesn’t let you get away with excuses! The advisers have this magical ability to make you work harder than you planned but somehow make it fun at the same time.
Philip: I absolutely love the challenge in the sessions, especially Becky’s circuits class. I make it my mission every week to challenge her, usually ending up red-faced and questioning my life choices… but loving it!
What specific lifestyle changes have you implemented because of the programme?
Philip: I’ve changed how I eat, how I move, and even how I think about my health. I’m actually choosing healthier meals now — not because I must, but because I want to. I’m more active, walking more, taking part in classes, and enjoying myself. I’ve gone from “exercise? no thanks” to “what challenge is Becky or Andy throwing at us today?” which still surprises me!
Melissa: We certainly eat more mindfully. Previously, I’d tuck into a whole packet of biscuits, but now I’m content with having just one as a treat. We’ve swapped takeaways for home-cooked meals, cut out sweet and fatty snacks, and significantly increased our water intake. Fitness-wise, we’re taking part in three to four classes a week and walking a lot more. Our teenage sons benefit from the healthier meals we share as a family, and it’s good for them to see us living a more active, healthier and happier lifestyle.
What key lessons have you learned from the programme, other clients, or volunteers?
Philip: I’ve learned that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. I’ve learned that other people’s journeys can inspire your own. And I’ve learned that you should never underestimate a Livewell adviser’s ability to push you right to your limit — politely, but firmly! But the biggest lesson? I can do far more than I ever believed. Turns out I just needed the right people cheering (and occasionally shouting) me on.
Melissa: I’ve realised that small changes add up to make a big difference, and to not give up after having a bad day/week. In the past, I’d go back to my old habits, but now I recognise that enjoying a treat or dining out is part of a healthy, balanced diet. The MyFitnessPal app is helpful in tracking calories and we use Olio to get great deals on healthier foods and reduce food waste.
In what ways has your advisor, Gemma supported you throughout your journey?
Philip: Gemma is incredible. She somehow knows exactly when to push me, when to calm me down, and when to give me a little reality check. She’s supportive, patient, and genuinely cares. She’s helped me understand my habits, and my progress in a way that makes sense. Gemma doesn’t let you settle — she nudges you past every boundary you think you have. And I honestly don’t think I’d have stuck with it without her.
Melissa: I echo that. When I was stuck in a rut, Gemma explained that weight loss isn’t a linear process. She helped me to realise that a healthier lifestyle is much more than what the scales say. We’ve hardly missed a drop-in. It’s nice to check in with Gemma, and our motivation increased with every pound we recorded losing on our journey cards.
Have you observed any specific benefits to your health since participating in the programme?
Philip: Absolutely — and this is the big one for me. I’ve lost 15% of my total body weight and trimmed eight inches off my waist, and I’m insanely proud of that. Especially because I’ve only been doing the Livewell group classes — no gym, no fancy machines, just the classes and the graft. My blood pressure is improving, I have more energy, I’m moving better, and I feel so much lighter and brighter — physically and mentally. I even have moments where I think, “I actually enjoyed that workout!” which past me would never believe. We both walk much more now, sometimes for up to 2 hours a day. We incorporate walking into our daily routines by commuting to work on foot, taking walks during lunch breaks—which I previously spent working through—and enjoying evening strolls.
Melissa: I can fit into old clothes that are three sizes smaller, and I feel good in them too. Reaching a healthy BMI is a massively reassuring milestone, and I have more energy to go out and do things. Losing 21% of my body weight, toning up, and moving more makes me feel so much better.
What are your aspirations for the future following the programme?
Philip: I want to continue pushing myself, further improve my blood pressure, and consistently prove that I can do this. With Gemma and Becky helping me smash through boundaries I didn’t even know I had, I feel ready to take on whatever comes next. My goal is simple: stay active, stay healthy, and keep surprising myself with what I can achieve — preferably while still giving Becky a run for her money in circuits!
Melissa: I’m a bit nervous about finishing Livewell and finding activities we can keep doing, but I recognise that there are lots of opportunities, and that we are now armed with the tools to take our healthier lifestyles into the next chapter.