AN Anglesey weight loss consultant has provided an insight into how people have found managing their weight during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Cemaes Bay Slimming World consultant Sarah Flannigan said: “More than half of adults have found it difficult to manage their weight during the COVID-19 lockdown - turning lives upside down, disrupting routines and making us feel more anxious than usual, as we worry about our own health and the health of loved ones.

"It’s no surprise it’s had an effect on our choices around food, drink and activity.

"When my members made healthy behaviour changes prior to lockdown, little did they know this would give them the tools to cope during this challenging time, supporting them to continue to successfully lose or maintain weight loss.

"The challenges we face are around the difficulty getting to the shops and getting hold of our usual foods.

"Boredom and being at home is also leading to increased snacking, higher stress and anxiety levels. With all this it’s leading to comfort eating and we are spending less time moving around and exercising, which is leading so easily to weight gain.”

One such member, Ann Dickinson, who joined Cemaes Bay Slimming World in October 2019.

She has not only managed to stay healthy in the current climate but reach her target, losing one and a half stone, despite further lockdown restrictions.

“I had been the same weight for many years and I couldn’t believe that a stone and a half had crept on," said Ann.

"My clothes were getting too small and my joints were becoming increasingly painful.

"Some days I brushed it under the carpet and other days it was really upsetting.

"I just didn’t like myself in the mirror anymore. The turning point for me was when I retired from work and saw a photograph of myself.

“ I thought slimming groups were only for people with larger amounts of weight to lose, so I tried cutting down on food intake on my own but it wasn’t easy and more importantly it didn’t work.

"Finding that Slimming World could help was fantastic and joining is the best thing I did.

“When it comes to Food Optimising, it’s great to know that I am eating healthier meals that my husband will enjoy too.

"He’s lost about a stone too just by supporting me at home.

“I was already determined to make the changes I needed to but from the moment I walked through the doors of the Village Hall, I knew I’d found a fantastic support system in consultant Sarah and the other members of the group - a group that continues even now after a year in lockdown, just a little bit differently.

"Sometimes I still can’t believe the freedom to eat the food I love - unlimited fruit, veg, pasta, lean meat etc, the freedom to eat out (restrictions allowing of course!) and even the odd G&T!

"Now that I’ve reached my target weight, I’ll continue to attend group to make sure I maintain my weight and my new healthy lifestyle.”

“Ann is such a positive member of our Friday morning group," said consultant Sarah.

"Her determination to reach her chosen target weight has been an inspiration to us all. Food Optimising is now truly a way of life for her and I couldn’t be prouder!"

"You too could feel like Ann, just visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk for more information on our virtual service, or contact Sarah directly on 07369252947."