An 80-year-old pensioner who would struggle walking to the bus stop due to his weight has lost almost 4 stone after a scare following a trip to the doctors.
Bill Ryan, from Bearsden, was told he would need to start taking medication to help with his declining health after blood tests showed he was on the verge of diabetes.
Branding himself a 'youngster', he was alarmed when simple things like catching a bus became difficult.
READ MORE: Glasgow war veteran unable to work due to gunshot injuries denied government payout
He said: "I was attending my annual GP check-up, and my blood test results showed I was borderline diabetic. This was quite a shock, and not something you are prepared to hear.
"After hearing this, I was starting to think about my general health, and I was starting to slow down with everything I was doing. Even though I’m a youngster at 80, I was getting out of breath.
"Even walking to my local bus stop, which was on a slight hill, was becoming more difficult, and was taking longer every time I was going.
"My GP told me that I had to either lose weight, or I would need to start taking medication to help with my decreasing health."
Bill was referred to the NHS health referral programme with weightwatchers and it's completely transformed his quality of life.
He weighed 15st but has now dropped down to an incredible 11st 3lb.
His cholesterol and blood pressure have returned to normal and he is no longer pre-diabetic.
Bill added: "My current blood pressure medication has been halved from 50g to 25g. If I keep going in this direction, then hopefully this will be stopped completely.
"I started attending my weekly workshop, and found the coach and the rest of the members a great support, as we all helped each other with tips and hints on how to stick to the plan.
"With this continued support I have now lost almost 4 stone, and feel great for it. My joints are not as sore, and I no longer getting breathless. Walking to the bus top is now easy, and that hill does not stop me.
"My food choices have changed, and I am now aware of my portion sizes, and these have reduced. I eat a lot more fruit, and enjoy wafer thin ham and chicken to snack on.
"The app has been a great help, and is so easy to use. I would record my food every day, and it would also help me make those better food choices.
"I also transfer my activity from my Fitbit in daily, and this helps to encourage me to stay active. I must say a thank you to the NHS (GGCH) and weightwatchers for the referral, and fantastic easy plan that has got me to where I am."
READ NEXT:
Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell seen for first time since his arrest
Lanarkshire pensioner killed on bowling club day out after row with best pal of 40 years
Glasgow road rage driver hurls horrific racial abuse at woman over 'dirty' music playing in her car
Glasgow hillwalker, 38, missing for more than a month with family 'very worried'
Second Glasgow homeless charity fears being 'driven off the road' by Low Emission Zone fines
