Docs said my weight could kill me

Eric Baxter • Published 5 Jul 2010 14:00

A GREENOCK woman lost half her body weight after being warned she could die because she was so overweight.

Linda McKnight weighed in at 24st 7lbs, and was told she could suffer a heart attack, stroke or contract diabetes.

Her doctor said she would have to get a gastric band fitted to stop her eating so much.

But the nursery nurse went to a weight-watching class instead - and managed to lose an incredible 12st 2lbs in 30 months. And now she is like a new woman.

Health worries prompted Linda, 35, to make a determined bid to shed the stones she had piled on through years of eating too many fatty foods like carry-outs, chips, crisps, chocolate and taking no exercise.

She said: "I knew I had to do something. My doctor warned me my weight could bring on diabetes, a heart attack or a stroke. That was quite frightening.

"I really didn't fancy having surgery to get a gastric band, so I made up my mind to go to a class.

"I had tried to lose weight before on my own and couldn't do it.

"So I joined the local Weightwise class, where Michelle Phillips was a brilliant help in giving me advice and motitvation.

"It wasn't hard when I cut out the rubbish and got diet sheets on how to eat properly. I lost 15lbs in just one week

"Now I feel like a new person. I go to the gym three times a week and I go out cycling and walking. It's a total change in lifestyle.

"I don't think about dieting any more. I just eat sensibly as a new, normal way of life. I eat salads, potatoes, plenty of vegetables and drink lots of water."

Her husband, Gary, 41, a maintenance technician, says the difference in Linda is 'amazing'.

Linda said: "Gary has been a great support. We were both worried about my health.

"I was feeling lethargic, I had no energy and I had pains in my chest because I was carrying so much weight. I used to take a size 30 in trousers and now I'm a size 14."

Linda said she would like to lose another stone - and is determined to keep up her new healthy lifestyle.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 05 Jul 10

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