Hastings super slimmer sheds six stone to beat diabetes

Hastings man James Bennett, shed six stone in seven months following a health scare
James Bennett 1 SUS-200825-084752001James Bennett 1 SUS-200825-084752001
James Bennett 1 SUS-200825-084752001

James, 54, said: “In June 2019, my GP phoned me to break the news that I had become diabetic. She explained that my weight was the cause and that there was a chance that I could move back to prediabetic if I lost weight.

“I was scared. I was also all too aware that I had not been looking after myself and my weight was impacting other areas of my life.

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“Of great concern was that walking had become hard and I was unable to walk up the hill to my flat without stopping to rest several times.

James Bennett 2 SUS-200825-084802001James Bennett 2 SUS-200825-084802001
James Bennett 2 SUS-200825-084802001

“It was the wake up call I needed, but I did not know the best way to go about gaining control of my weight.

“My ex-wife recommended Slimming World and the next day I walked into a group run by Melanie Watson, little knowing quite how my life would change.

I was nervous. I had largely stopped going out and I was anxious about talking about myself in front of a group of people. I got onto the scales and was shocked to find that I weighed in at 18 1⁄4 stone.

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“Melanie immediately put me at ease. She was warm, kind and, above all, understanding and non judgmental.

“There was a fantastic camaraderie within the group which provided high levels of encouragement. I am now pleased to count many of the group as close friends and enjoy the social interaction each week.

“I embraced the plan and found myself eating tasty and satisfying food, which I really enjoyed. I loved the fact that no foods were banned and I was still able to eat my beloved curries, but healthier versions from the huge recipe resources available to members.

“I lost a stone in my first month and was very proud. I then decided that I would start exercising to compliment the plan. I walked every day and, in November, I walked a half marathon. five months before, I had never expected to get back to walking again. Walking is now a wonderful hobby and I walk marathons in beautiful and challenging countryside.

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“I continued to lose weight at nearly a stone a month and after 7 months I had lost 6 st getting me down to 12 1⁄4 stone. I sailed way past the prediabetic status, which my GP had said I might reach. I now have extremely healthy results, well below normal readings. I feel I have been given another chance.”

Melanie Watson said: “James is really amazing and his life has changed dramatically. We’re all so proud of his huge weight loss and the way he has reversed his diabetes and become a marathon walker.

The group meets on Tuesday evenings, The Taplin Centre, 3 Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards. Booking is essential. Call 07833 101419.

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