Alsager woman who piled on the pounds through comfort eating has slimmed and can fit back into her wedding dress
When Caterina Coulson joined an Alsager slimming group she weighed in at 12 stone 5 lbs and felt bloated.
Now many months later, she is fitter and healthier than ever before - after shedding two stone 8.5 lbs, now weighing in at a trim nine stone 10.5 lbs.
And she has reached her goal - to return to the weight she was when she got married in Cyprus in 2011 and fit back into her wedding dress.
Caterina said: "I lost my best friend of 40 years suddenly in October before the Covid pandemic. We used to attend Slimming World together, and it affected me deeply, more than I care to recall.
"When Covid began, I lost another close family member that August, which led me to spiral and gain weight. During my yearly review in June 2024, I was able to reflect on this period, identifying my triggers and comfort eating habits."
Following her annual health review, the 62-year-old was informed that she was pre-diabetic, with her results from the last two blood tests ranging from 45 to 51.
Her doctor recommended diabetes medication, but Caterina asked if there were any other options. She was advised to try a diet.
Although Caterina had always struggled with her weight, she had never been in the right mindset to attempt dieting.
A friend mentioned that she had signed up for Slimming World for 12 weeks for free through the local council. Caterina was asked a few questions and was eligible for the free 12 weeks.
Initially, Caterina felt nervous and skeptical when she first entered the Slimming World group, but she quickly realized that the group had a positive atmosphere.
Caterina soon made friends in the group, including Maureen, who had lived across the road from her many years earlier.
They kept each other motivated and committed to the group, finding that having someone alongside them was immensely helpful.
Maureen and Caterina became regular attendees and got to know the other members, sharing numerous food ideas, including healthy ways to satisfy their sweet tooth.
And it's thanks to Alsager Social Club Slimming World group that Caterina has lost the weight all while eating her favourite food. a
Caterina also became more active. She said, "As the weight started to come off, I began thinking about exercising more. Slimming World's physical activity support program played a key role in helping me move more frequently. I've learned in the group that this will play a significant part in maintaining my target."
She started swimming and walking more, gradually boosting her fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. Now, physical activity is a natural part of her daily life.
Joanna Wojcik, who runs the Alsager Saturday Slimming World group that Caterina attends, said, "The group is not just about the weight lost—it's about recognizing the lifestyle changes members like Caterina make, the challenges they overcome week in and week out, and the confidence they gain.
"We're incredibly proud of Caterina and the amazing progress she's made since joining Slimming World 10 months ago. She's an inspiration to everyone in our group."
Visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or contact Joanna on 07519 932 737 for more information.
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