A WEIGHT loss plan endorsed by the NHS has helped a 74-year-old woman beat her family history of diabetes.

Janeanne Gilfillan, from North Cumbria, dropped five dress sizes and reduced her BMI by 14.5 after signing up to the NHS Healthier You National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP).

She started on the online WW (formerly Weight Watchers) plan in October, 2020 after tipping the scales at 15 stone 3.5 lbs.

Her brother had previously been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

She said: “My eating troubles began when I was 18 and married with small children,

“I felt unloved and became a recluse and wouldn’t go out as I was so big and felt

uncomfortable.

“I started to binge eat which led to me becoming an emotional eater. I was also attending counselling during this time for depression.

“When my brother became ill, I had to look after him which made my struggle even harder and a lifelong cycle of binge eating and depression continued.”

Janeanne had been getting back to caring about herself, but sunk back into depression during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, she was inspired to lose weight after seeing a poster advertising the programme. She now weights just nine stone 11lbs

She added: “My husband and family were so patient with me and during the first lockdown I finally faced up to my weight loss issue and realised that only I could do something about it.

“WW has taught me to eat lots more food, but the right types of food. I used to sit around all day in my dressing gown but now as soon as I’m awake I get into my fitness gear so I’m ready to get started.

“Now I can walk and not worry about hills, I don’t get breathless anymore or need to use my inhaler.

"I can order clothes online in one size, my mental health has improved, and I can run about with my great grandchildren at the park – every day life is just better!”

People with diabetes are at least twice as likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.