“I was so scared I wouldn’t make it to retirement, it was that bad. Now I’m starting a new business and feel hopeful about the future.”
After years of yo-yo dieting and increasing health worries, Cathy knew something had to change. Now, with her confidence renewed, her blood pressure lowered, and a new business on the horizon, she reflects on how Phlo Clinic helped her rediscover joy, health, and a hopeful future.
What made you decide to lose weight a different way?
I’d tried everything over the years and lost a bit but always put it back on - the usual. But things started to feel serious when I was gaining more and more weight, my job was stressful, and then I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. My husband had just retired and was enjoying his life and I suddenly thought, if I don’t do something now, I won’t make it to retirement, it was that bad. I was so ill and tired, and stressed.
I just wanted to enjoy life again but I felt awful all the time. I had a friend who started weight loss medication and couldn’t stop talking about it, so I thought why not give it a go too! I didn’t tell anyone at first, not even my husband, but once I started losing weight, I couldn’t wait to tell people because it's just been brilliant! Now 12 months later, my blood pressure has gone down, I’m now retiring from work, and I’m starting a new business! Losing weight this way has finally made me look forward to enjoying my retirement, given me the confidence to look forward and I actually feel so hopeful again and excited for the future.
Why did you choose Phlo Clinic?
Safety was always really important to me. I looked at a few others and I wanted something medically backed and properly managed. Phlo ticked all the boxes so I knew it was a reputable and trusted provider.
How did you find the early stages?
I did experience some side effects in the first few weeks, but they passed quickly and I’m now finding losing weight very easy. I started forgetting to eat - something I never imagined saying! Food noise is real and being on this medication has completely changed how I think about food and my relationship with the environment around me.
I used to walk into our staffroom at work which always has things like chocolates and cakes laying out to help yourself to. I used to be that person who would pick up a bit of everything, and sometimes go back for more! Now for the first time in my life, I walk in and barely notice the snacks which has been mind blowing.
Were there any surprises?
How fast the weight came off really shocked me. The loose skin has been hard, I won’t lie, but I’m trying to work on that with more movement but at the age that I am, I’ll take that for the benefit of the weight loss.
What’s been most surprising is how I see myself. I didn’t realise how big I was until I looked back at old photos. And now, even though people say I look great, it takes time to mentally catch up. It’s a big adjustment, but a good one.
After: 12 stone 13lbs
How have others reacted to your weight loss?
People are amazed. Even parents at the school I lead have commented. One told me the staff had all been talking about how well I look and in a good way! That meant a lot.
I haven’t seen my family back in Australia yet, but I’m going this summer. I’m so excited to see their reactions. Even small things like needing less in my suitcase or fitting comfortably on a plane feels phenomenal! Last summer I had to ask for a seatbelt extender, and that was mortifying. This year, I pulled it tighter with room to spare which is fantastic.
How has life changed day to day?
Everything’s easier, from getting up in the morning, it’s easier to stand on my feet. I’ve got arthritis but now my knees hurt a lot less now. At work, I’m able to concentrate for longer and not constantly distracted by food thoughts. I don’t feel like snacking as much anymore and am drinking more water so that’s a big thing.
Have you developed any new habits?
I’m trying to be more active and I’m also focusing on portion sizes. I use smaller plates now and want to keep that going after I stop the medication so I don’t fall back into big plates piled with food. I’ve also unintentionally cut sugar out of my diet just by eating fresh, simple food. I feel better for it, and I don’t want to go back to the old way.
I’ve previously done all the diets including counting points, weighing everything and none of that worked long term. This feels sustainable. I’m not overfull or sluggish after meals, and that’s been life-changing.
If you could talk to your past self, what would you say?
I wish this existed 20 years ago! But more than that, I’d tell myself to be gentler. I’ve always put pressure on myself to be good at everything, and I used food to cope. Now I know there’s a different way and I feel excited about the future for the first time in a long time.
A message to others wanting to start their weight loss journey
Go for it! You've got nothing to lose but your weight and you'll feel so much better for it.
