Debbie Houghton decided to lose weight and join a Slimming World group after suffering from a number of health issues
Debbie Houghton, from Kibblesworth, Gateshead, after losing more than seven stone(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
A nurse has celebrated the start of a new year after shedding more than seven stone in just 10 months. Debbie Houghton’s weight had crept up to 16 stone 7.5lbs after she became reliant on convenience foods and takeaways following being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Long Covid and other conditions.
After a blood test showed she was pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol, the NHS specialist nurse decided to take action. Not wanting to use weight loss medication, Debbie decided to join her local Slimming World group, run by Vickie Gallagher at Ouston Community Centre, in County Durham.
And, between February and December, Debbie managed to shed an impressive seven stone 8lbs. Describing the moment she realised she’d reached her goal weight as “amazing”, Debbie said she now loves clothes shopping and no longer hides herself away.
Debbie, from Kibblesworth, in Gateshead, continued: ““Food Optimising is amazing – nothing is off limits! I still enjoy pizza, curries, chocolate and even a G and T but with smart swaps and planning. I make fakeaways for Indian food or pizza nights and I still enjoy meals out and socialising without feeling deprived.
Debbie Houghton, from Kibblesworth, Gateshead, before losing more than seven stone(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“I undertake a lot of teaching as part of my job and used to feel self-conscious about my weight when standing in front of a room. Not anymore! I also used to get embarrassed about being out of breath climbing stairs at work – I’d often take the lift.
“Now, that’s a thing of the past.” Describing how she managed to stay on her weight-loss journey, even whilst on a two-week foreign holiday, Debbie added: “I was worried I’d come back with a huge gain, so I asked the group for advice.
Debbie Houghton, from Kibblesworth, Gateshead, after losing more than seven stone(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“They gave me brilliant tips for making good choices while away. I stuck to plan as much as possible, and when I got back, I’d actually lost 0.5lbs. My advice is stay to group – the support and motivation are priceless.
“I’ve made new friends and look forward to every Wednesday. There have been weeks where I have gained weight or maintained but I didn’t let it stop me. I just dusted myself off and started afresh.”
Debbie attends Slimming World at Ouston Community Centre every Wednesday. For more information on the group, contact Vickie on 07580109160.