Kaaron sheds weight and keeps it off too

Thanks to Weightwatchers, local woman Kaaron Coates lost an amazing nine stone in just 18 months.

That was almost five years ago and with the support of her local group, Kaaron has managed to keep her new slim size 12 figure in shape.

Hairdresser Kaaron has had a life-long struggle with her weight and after years of trying diets and stopping and starting Weightwatchers classes, she finally had success after she restarted the class and dedicated herself to her diet and fitness.

Kaaron, who attends the Weightwatchers class at Brownlee Primary School in Lisburn on a Tuesday night, which is led by Bernie Walsh, has transformed from a size 24 to a svelte size 12 - and she is determined that she will never go back to her old ways.

The former self-confessed ‘couch potato’ is now dedicated to exercising each day, going to the gym before work every morning and also taking Tae Bo classes twice each week as well as a spin class three times each week.

“I had tried to diet all my life and was a fat child but something just clicked the last time and I was determined the weight wasn’t going to go back on,” explained Kaaron. “I didn’t struggle too much this time and everything just fell into place.”

Kaaron still goes to Weightwatchers to keep and eye on her weight and appreciates the support from group leader Bernie. “I know what I can and can’t eat and I keep a check in my head of how many points are in things.

“I am still going to the gym three times a week to maintain my weight loss and if I eat a bit extra then I’ll do more in the gym.”

The main changes Kaaron has made, as well as exercising, is cutting out fast food and bread. “If I go out I might have a piece of wheaten bread or garlic bread but I don’t have sandwiches. As well as the weight-loss, I don’t have that bloated feeling I had when I ate bread.”

Kaaron would encourage anyone to make the life-changing decision to try Weightwatchers. “I wish I had done it 25 years ago,” she said. “It has been completely life changing and I have all the confidence that I used to fake when I was fat. I took up horse-riding, which I had always wanted to do, and I go out and do the things I want to do instead of worrying about my size all the time.

“The support Bernie gives is invaluable. She has been through it and has kept the weight off. She always gives 150 per cent at every class.”

To find out more about the Lisburn classes, log onto www.weightwatchers.ie.