A mum who at her heaviest was unable to tie her shoelaces or go up the stairs without running out of breath has lost a whopping seven stone in weight. Kylie Walls, from Stapleford, weighed 17 stone 8lbs eight years ago and was told by doctors she was pre-diabetic.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But it means that the blood sugar levels are not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
The 29-year-old went on to lose a remarkable amount of weight. Now weighing in at 10 stone 12lbs, she has maintained her new-found healthy diet for years.
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Ms Walls, an assistant leader for safeguarding, was motivated by her son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis. She said: "When my son was diagnosed I wanted to be a good example and eat really healthy food.
"When I was at my heaviest, I struggled to do normal things - I couldn't tie my shoes, I was out of breath up the stairs and playing with my children, but now I'm healthy. Now I run the Robin Hood Half Marathon to raise awareness for kids."
Son Lewis Walls said seeing his mum change her eating patterns had helped motivate him. The 19-year-old care manager from Stapleford said: "My mum wanted to be more of a role model and it really helped.
"If my mum wasn't eating healthy it would affect my diabetes. She loves to help people and wants to help them become healthier."
On her weight loss success, Ms Walls said: "I followed the Slimming World eating plan, they encouraged me to make small changes to the way I shopped and cooked. I use cooking spray instead of oil or butter, I always make sure to cut off all visible fat or when I use meat I get the less than five percent mince.
"I started to build exercise into my routine by taking the stairs or walking my kids to school instead of using my car. My children are now more active, they race BMX at the track in Bulwell. We eat the same and my kids enjoy trying the new recipes."
Inspired by her weekly Slimming World group meetings, she's decided to set one up herself in Bilborough.
"I want to start a group to help others, I'm really focused. I've got lots of energy now and I want families to have the same. I also want to be fit for my grandson and be around for him."
Mrs Walls will be running her own Slimming World group at the Samworth Academy, Bilborough, starting on Tuesday, April 19. Her group session will be every Tuesday 5pm and 7pm.
She added: "I really wanted to share my passion and let people know it's really easy to in cooperate healthy eating. I feel a little nervous and excited because it's something I love. I know the misery of being so stuck in that routine, I want to help."
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