‘I SLEEP BETTER AND WAKE UP FEELING FRESH’

KATHRYN DAVIS, 47, lives with her husband Richard, 58, and their two daughters, Ellie, 19, and Grace, 14. She works for her local council.

Kathryn says: ‘I just hoped to lose a few pounds and get a bit fitter. I found it invigorating and quickly felt that I was sleeping better and waking up fresh.

‘I’ve managed to build up to 15,000 steps a day getting up early in the morning and going for a walk before the weather warmed up. In the evening I’d go for a walk where previously I’d take the car.

‘I feel so much better, and I’m over the moon that my waistline has reappeared.’

DR KOH SAYS: ‘After four weeks of exercise Kathryn’s body fat is down by 7 per cent, her BMI by 3 per cent and her waist by 12 per cent. These are all significant measurements. Imagine the impact after six months or a year of such exercise.

‘Kathryn’s waist circumference — a measure of her abdominal fat — has also come down by 6in, which is significant.’

DR ASHTON SAYS: ‘Despite the fact that there is no change in any of the measured blood variables, Kathryn clearly feels fitter and has more energy than before starting her walking programme. The change in waist measurement of 6in is much larger than one would have predicted.’

DR HEAVERSEDGE SAYS: ‘This level of gentle activity is ideal for those who are seriously overweight, who often find it difficult to participate in exercise programmes.’