Richard Sanok, 70, from Tuffley, Gloucester, has achieved a remarkable six-stone weight loss after battling years of yo-yo dieting and bordering on diabetes. His journey, marked by setbacks and perseverance, showcases the power of commitment and support in achieving lasting health.
In 2020, Richard weighed 19 stone 10 pounds and was alarmed by his borderline diabetic condition. Determined to change, he lost two stone by December through lifestyle adjustments. However, 2021 saw his weight creeping back up, frustrating Richard with the familiar cycle of losing and regaining pounds without sustainable progress.
“I spent all of 2022 stuck in a frustrating loop. Lose a few pounds, gain them back. Nothing felt sustainable,” Richard recalls.
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A turning point came in January 2023 when he joined a family weight-loss challenge. Weekly weigh-ins provided motivation and renewed purpose. Over eight months, Richard steadily reduced his weight but hit a plateau by September, with fluctuations causing concern.
A visit to his doctor was another wake-up call, prompting Richard to join a 12-week Slimming World program. Despite a brief setback during a holiday, he committed fully on September 25 and embraced the plan wholeheartedly.
By October, Richard started to see significant progress, eventually losing five stone—a milestone he once thought unreachable. “I had to lower my target weight four times because each time, I realized I could go further. My mindset changed completely. I actually believed in myself,” he shares.
Richard continues to attend Slimming World group sessions at St George’s Church Hall in Tuffley, praising the support from the group and its leader, Michelle. “Their encouragement, advice, and camaraderie have been instrumental in my success. I’m profoundly grateful to everyone who’s been part of this life-changing journey.”
Even after reaching his goal weight, Richard remains involved in the group, appreciating the ongoing motivation, recipes, and mindset tips. His transformation is not just about weight loss, but about breaking free from unhealthy cycles, improving his health, and significantly reducing his risk of diabetes.
Now healthier, more energetic, and optimistic, Richard’s story is a testament to resilience and the impact of community support in achieving lasting lifestyle change.