Changing habits, changing lives

Small steps can lead to big changes. For Gillian, Toni and Janet, joining a One You Kent weight management programme has transformed not just their health, but their confidence and quality of life. From walking unaided and rediscovering the joy of travel, to feeling fitter and more energised, each of them proves that with the right support, it’s possible to make lasting changes.

Walking stick to walking proud

At 72, Gillian Oliver has reclaimed something she feared might be lost forever – the ability to walk unaided, travel independently and enjoy life on her own terms.

Living in Broadstairs but originally from Hertfordshire, Gillian joined the One You weight management programme after her GP recommended it. At the time, she was living with obesity, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure and asthma. Walking had become increasingly difficult and she relied on a stick to get around.

“We moved to Broadstairs to enjoy the scenery but I couldn’t walk far at all,” she says. “I’d get out of breath so quickly and had to stop all the time. It made going up to London to visit my daughter impossible because I couldn’t get on the tube.”

Determined to make a change, retired Senior Social Worker Gillian, joined a One You Kent 12-week weightloss group and began making small, sustainable adjustments to her diet and lifestyle.

Gillian said: “I learned about portion sizes and hidden sugars in things like drinks. I picked up simple tips to avoid overeating, such as not bringing food to the table. At lunchtime, we swapped crisps and a sandwich for soup and fruit. Being part of a group really helped because we could support each other, especially when someone was having a tough week.”

Even after suffering a minor stroke in March this year, she stayed committed to her plan.

Louise Bartlett, One You Weight Loss Adviser, said: “It was a pleasure working with Gillian. As a vegetarian, she shared great ideas for meat-free meals with the group. It is lovely to hear that the group still meet regularly to continue to support each other.”

Over the past year, Gillian has lost more than two stone which has made a big impact on her walking.

“I needed a walker after my stroke but gave that back quite quickly.  I’ve managed to stop using sticks most of the time,” she says. “I might still stop and start and take my time, but I’m doing much better now.”

One of her proudest moments came during a recent trip to London. “We went on the tube and walked around Covent Garden. I used to think my trips to the theatre were long gone but I’ve been able to get back to it and I’m so pleased.”

Toni’s life changing moment

When Toni went for a routine health check at her GP surgery, her doctor suggested she look at ways to improve her health, including losing weight as part of a healthy lifestyle. At size 22, she knew it was time to make a change. The doctor recommended a weightloss programme with One You Kent and Toni hasn’t looked back.

“I did the 10-week course and lost just under two stone by the end but have kept going and lost another stone since then.”

For Toni, the benefits have been life-changing. She’s gone from size 22 to between 16 and 18 and cleared out five bin bags of old clothes for charity. Her upcoming 45-night cruise to Australia and the Philippines in March gave her extra motivation to keep going.

The course taught Toni practical skills, like reading food labels and understanding portion sizes. She’s cut down on potatoes, rice and alcohol and swapped habits for healthier choices. “I’ve got the certificates from the course blue-tacked to my kitchen cupboards as reminders,” she says.

Exercise is now part of her routine too. “I swim three times a week, 70 lengths each time and play petanque twice a week. I’m doing at least 5,000 steps a day, which is a big change from before.”

Toni says the group sessions were supportive and confidential, with no pressure or public weigh-ins. She said: “It’s not like other weight-loss groups. Everyone shares tips and encourages each other.”

Her motivation started with health, but her upcoming holiday gave her an extra push. “I want to feel comfortable travelling and enjoy buying clothes for the cruise,” she says. “I feel so much better now, even going up and down stairs is easier.”

Toni’s advice for anyone thinking about joining? “Give it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose, it doesn’t cost anything and the classes are small and friendly. It’s about learning to change your habits for life.”

Janet waves off her excess baggage

Watching her suitcase disappear on the conveyor belt this summer, Janet Taylor, a retired Classics teacher from Canterbury, suddenly realised her suitcase weighed roughly the same as the weight she’s lost over the past few years.

“I thought - I used to carry that around every day. Now I’m waving it goodbye. It was a great feeling,” she said.

Janet, now 62, retired from her full-time teaching role in 2020 and decided it was time to prioritise her health. She was keen to make lifestyle changes to stay well.

Janet first joined an online group during the pandemic, then moved to a face-to-face group in 2023, led by One You Kent weight loss advisers.

“One You Kent was different from other diets I’ve tried,” Janet said. “It was more about being healthy than focusing on weight or being thin.”

The programme’s holistic approach helped Janet to incorporate more physical activity into her week and she now enjoys trips to the gym, swimming pool and keep fit classes, as well as planning interesting meals and setting realistic goals.

“You can eat anything, but you learn how to balance your plate,” she said. “It’s about making better choices, not restricting yourself. Another helpful strategy was to book my gym sessions in the week before, which meant I had to go rather than put it off.”

She’s lost more than 16 kilos or two-and-a-half stone and is aiming to lose another 10 kilos before she’s done. “One You Kent gave me the tools and support to change my lifestyle. It’s a long-term shift rather than a quick fix. I’m so grateful for the help I’ve received.”

One You Kent offers clients weekly weight checks. Weightloss Advisor Teela Limbu said: “Janet comes for her weight check most weeks, which gives her the opportunity to have a quick chat to help her see she’s still on the right track. She’s done so well.”