Tara loses seven stone after doctor’s warning
NHS support worker on the verge of diabetes transforms lifestyle
AN NHS worker whose weight ballooned to 22 stone following the death of her dad has now lost more than seven.
Tara Lewis, from Cheadle, is now nearly at her target weight after joining a Slimming World group in Stoke.
The 33-year-old, who is a support worker for sexual health in the NHS, said: “I have lost just over seven stone. I joined in September 2019 and I decided I wanted to lose weight because I had blood tests which said I was on the verge of becoming diabetic.
“I was having problems with my hips, legs and knees. I also had high blood pressure.
“Four years ago, I lost my dad to a stroke. My doctor said if I didn’t change, I would have a stroke too. I knew I needed to do it for myself and my dad.”
Tara’s dad, John, passed away aged 69 in April 2018. He had dementia caused by the stroke, which he suffered at the age of 48. He was diagnosed with dementia at 57 and lived in a care home for 12 years.
Tara added: “I made the decision to lose weight after I got on the scales. A friend at work had been doing it and it had worked for her and she said the plan was easy to follow.
“I thought I’d give it a go. Once I got my head around it, I could pretty much eat normally. I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself of anything.
“I was really bad before. I would eat a share bag of crisps, I was eating out and grabbing stuff like a takeaway.
“I would eat the crisps then put them back under my seat in the car, like I hadn’t eaten it if I couldn’t see it. I’d buy the next size up in clothes.
“I was comfort eating when my dad was ill. He was in a care home for over 12 years and, when he died, I hadn’t got it to keep me busy and occupied.” Tara lost a lot of weight in the first six months, and then maintained her weight with online Slimming World during lockdown. She said: “I feel so much better now. I feel like I have so much more energy. “I used to say I need to sit down and my legs are hurting. Now I say let’s keep going a bit further.
“I haven’t got the pain in my legs. My friends and family are really proud of me. I still live at home with my mum – she has changed the way she cooks for me.”
The Inyourarea IOS and Android app lets you follow the latest local news, information, events and more in your area. You can connect with other members of your community, submit events, promote a local business and more.
Exclusively to our apps, we let you follow news, information, ‘things to do’ and property prices for where you are right now with our ‘near me now’ feature.
Our app is the best way to enjoy Inyourarea.