11 January 2011

Looking at a photo of Rose Pope, dress size 22, from September 2009 you wouldn’t recognise her. Now a size 10-12, happy and energetic, Rose, an outpatient service user, tells us of her amazing New Year’s resolution and how she shed five and a half stone.

 “My medication made me feel tired and hungry. I used to be quite slim, then after taking my prescribed medication, my lifestyle changed and my weight just kept increasing. In April 2009 I decided to do something about it and started using the gym at St Bernard’s.

“I would go to the gym three times a week, however I would still find comfort in fried and unhealthy foods. My weight continued to increase and by Christmas 2009 I was 14 stone (89kg). At a December appointment a nurse weighed me and told me I was near the danger zone – she said I was at higher risk of developing illnesses like diabetes and heart disease and that I needed to lose weight. That was a turning point for me.

“I made a New Year’s resolution that I would shift the weight. I asked my doctor to change my medication and I changed my eating habits by finding information about healthy eating on the internet. I also started attending the ‘healthy eating’ sessions put on by mental health charity, Mind. I trained three times a week for 3 – 4 hours each session, participating in a range of activities including badminton, yoga, cycling, basketball, table tennis, walking, the gym and circuit training.

“I am now 8.5 stone (54kg) and have reached my goal weight. I don’t diet, but just eat healthily and exercise. I do things like get off the bus three or four stops before my destination and walk the rest of the way – it’s the small things that really help.

“I now have so much energy and can do so much more. People congratulate me when they see how I look and my family have all said I look fantastic. If there is anyone out there unhappy with their weight, persevere. It’s a tough first three months, but then you will start seeing results, and the results are what give you the motivation to keep going. All you need to do is have a bit of faith in yourself.”

At 46, 8.5 stone and now size 10-12, Rose looks amazing and is an inspiration to anyone who may be trying to shed some extra pounds. Congratulations Rose on a brilliant effort – your hard work has definitely paid off!