Karina named ‘greatest loser’ after reaching target weight
KARINA Dunford was so overweight her husband had to wash and care for her and she was afraid to leave the house because she thought she was an embarrassment to her family.
She tucked into takeaways every night, and devoured chocolate, eventually swelling to almost 30 stone. She feared she was ‘eating herself to death’.
At 29st 8.5lbs Karina’s weight had a huge impact on her health and happiness. So much so, she was bullied, felt that noone cared about her and couldn’t wash and dress herself. She said her refusal to leave her house was finally what drove her to join her local Slimming World Group in January, 2018.
And in just 28 months, Karina has been named Slimming World’s Greatest Loser after slimming down from 28.5lbs to 11st 2.5lbs.
Speaking about her incredible achievement, Karina said: “I was so unhappy and my health was getting worse by the day. I just wanted to stay in every day with my husband Ian and never wanted to leave the house. I’d tried many diets and could never get my head into it. I knew I needed help and heard about Slimming World. In January, 2018, I told my family that I wanted to join.”
Karina, who has learning difficulties, said that when she first joined Slimming World she was too shy to say a word during the sessions but finally grew in confidence to interact with fellow members and immerse herself in the plan.
“Before I joined Slimming World I was eating takeaways, especially Chinese, every night and comfort eating chocolate every day. Now my daily menu has completely changed. I plan all my meals for the week and stick with it. My favourite meals are spaghetti bolognese or chilli con carne with lots of vegetables. I also love the Slimming World Iceland meals and enjoy them with lots of extra veg too.”
Karina has also shared her new habits with her family.
“I’ve been telling my family about healthy eating and sharing my food plans and photos with them. My mum and brother joined Slimming World too and they’re both doing well.” ll.
As well as completely changing her eating habits Karina’s confidence has soared as s she’s lost weight. “I never used to do any exercise,” ercise,” she said. “I would just stay in the house.” Now, Karina exercises for at least 150 minutes a week ek and enjoys a variety of different workouts. “I go to the gym, I do workouts, rkouts, go swimming and take long walks,” ks,” says Karina.
Not only has as joining Slim- ming World d transformed d Karina’s health, it has also changed her life and her relationship with her husband Ian.
“I changed d my whole e life by join- ing Slimming g
World. I had d a rough time me when I was as overweight. I felt that I embarrassed rassed my whole family. amily. I was bullied and felt that no-one cared about me. Since nce losing weight my husband Ian and d I have a much better life. Now I have the confidence dence to do things for myself self and Ian doesn’t have to care for me. I’m so proud that I’ve reached my target weight and made so many friends at Slimming World.”
Slimming World consultant Rhian, who runs the Bridgend group that Karina attends, said: “Karina is the most determined member.
“She’s set her mind to achieve her goals week after week and made changes that means she’ll be slim for life.
“She’s completely transformed her health and it’s truly wonderful to see how much happier and more confident she is in everything. Everyone in the group is proud of her and what she’s achieved.”