Jennifer Marshall, 42, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, had battled with her weight since the loss of her partner in 2009, turning to food for comfort to escape the harshness of grief.
Tipping the scales at over 18st at her heaviest, Jennifer’s mental health hit rock bottom. When her doctor diagnosed her with type 2 diabetes, she knew it was time for a lifestyle overhaul.
Retail Manager Jennifer shared: “I had very little confidence, and I definitely held myself back at work and missed out on going for promotions. I stayed in my comfort zone as I was so afraid of people judging me because of my size.
“I’ve always battled with my weight, and it spiralled after the loss of my partner. I isolated myself and turned to food. I knew I was gaining too much weight so I tried various diets, but I just couldn’t stick to them.”
Jennifer said: “After my doctor diagnosed my type 2 diabetes, I was frightened and unsure how it would impact my life. I knew shedding weight was the only way to improve my health and help manage my type 2 diabetes. Some of my friends had recently joined Slimming World and were doing well, so I thought I’d tag along. I was nervous and I felt embarrassed that I had let myself get to the size I was.
“I didn’t need to worry though my consultant, Irene, put me at ease straight away and, in the members, I found a lovely group of people who were willing to help and support me. They shared their experiences with me every week and never judged mine.”
Jennifer has been a part of Slimming World since January 2021 and has lost an amazing 8st 13.5lbs in just over a year and a half, keeping it off too. She’s gone from a size 24 down to a size 10, and she’s even been told her type 2 diabetes is in remission.
She shared: “I couldn’t believe it when my doctor told me that my blood sugar levels were below the diabetes range. In fact, I don’t think he could believe it either! I’ve completely transformed my health by changing what I eat.”
Jennifer revealed she still enjoys curries and spaghetti Bolognese, but the Slimming World recipes include healthy swaps such as lean mince and adding more vegetables to dishes.
“Most importantly for me,” Jennifer began. “I found the eating plan flexible, and I was easily able to tailor it to the advice I’d been given from my healthcare team around managing my type 2 diabetes.”
Jennifer now feels more energetic, which has resulted in her going to exercise classes and walking every day; her success has been so great that she has now embarked on a new adventure to become a Slimming World consultant.
Jennifer said: “If I can do it, I believe anyone can, which is why I decided to become a Slimming World consultant myself. Helping my members and seeing them achieve their goals is the best role in the world!”
Jennifer’s before menu
Breakfast: Nothing.
Lunch: Fast food meal.
Dinner: Indian takeaway with all the trimmings or a ready meal.
Snacks: Three or four chocolate bars across the day, crisps and six cans of pop.
Jennifer’s after menu
Breakfast: Weetabix with skimmed milk and fruit.
Lunch: Scrambled egg on wholemeal toast.
Dinner: Homemade spaghetti Bolognese followed by fruit and meringue.
Snacks: Apples and a chocolate bar.
