‘Losing weight has changed our lives’

‘A heart attack at 49 shocked me into action’

Angie Jones, 51, is from Shefford in Bedfordshire. The mum-of-two says, “My weight had crept up due to health problems and comfort eating but, at 49, I assumed I still had lots of time to get back on track before I had to worry about developing a serious illness. But one day, I suffered a heart attack while spring cleaning, and after having a stent fitted, I was shocked when the cardiac nurse told me my weight was a risk factor. I was determined to slim down and become more active to give my heart the best chance of recovery. “I was petrified about joining Slimming World, but decided my fears were nothing compared to the possibility of another attack. Besides, everyone at the group was so welcoming I realised I had nothing to worry about. As well as following the plan, I also started walking for 15 minutes a day and, within a week or two, my pace quickened, and I was walking for longer. Eventually, with my doctor’s blessing, I was cycling daily, going to the gym three times a week and enjoying dance workouts and yoga. Two years on, I’ve gone from a size 22 and 16st 7lbs to a size 12 and 11st 6lbs. By the time my 50th in November 2016 came around, I couldn’t wait to celebrate! I’m lucky because the doctors say there’s no lasting damage. The heart attack gave me the wake-up call I needed – it was only realising how serious things had become that led me to change. Now I’m hooked on my healthy lifestyle!”