Find Your Fit - The Power Of Persistence: Judith’s 14 Stone Transformation
Health & Fitness Expert Clare Stobart
THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE:
Judith’s 14 Stone Transformation
Weight loss stories are often about far more than numbers on a scale; they're about determination, resilience and transforming your life from the inside out. I had the opportunity to sit down with one of our valued CPASE members and good friend Judith Gledhill to uncover the remarkable journey that has seen her lose an incredible 14 stone - ten stone of it in the last five years - to reclaim her health, confidence and future.
How would you describe your younger self?
I was sporty and walked a lot and a very slim size eight that never had to watch what I ate. I fell pregnant at 20 and within 15 months I had two children and put a lot of weight on. Following my third pregnancy I got down to around 15 stone. When I turned to my doctor, they simply said my metabolism changed, but I was only 26. I also went back to work very quickly.
Were you exercising during that time?
I started having a lot of knee problems, but I still managed some exercise, despite that I just kept getting bigger. I was eventually diagnosed with PCOS, metabolic syndrome and diabetes and my weight continued to climb.
Is that what caused your weight to increase?
PCOS affects people in very different ways and not everyone experiences weight gain. In my case, metabolic syndrome was a major factor. My insulin production began to drop, which led to diabetes and made losing weight much harder. On top of that, my schedule was relentless: I was waking at 4:30am and not getting home until 9pm, so I ended up eating in my car a lot, especially chocolate, as I’ve always had a sweet tooth.
Do you feel like your weight affected your mental health?
I've never used to struggle mentally with my weight. Being slim when I was younger meant I never got bullied about it. Even as I got bigger, my husband, Ian, always accepted me. At work, I was always really confident; my weight didn’t inhibit me.
Socially, I used to cry when I was going out. What people thought of me was always in the back of my mind. I had to do a risk assessment for everything. I'd walk into a room and mentally log if the tables or chairs were too close together, judging how to get to the bathroom, because I can't get through the gap. I couldn't sit on plastic chairs. I’ve spent whole nights with my thigh muscles clenched, not putting weight on the chair, because I thought it would collapse. The same went for narrow seating; I was constantly in fight or flight mode. I used to dread flying so much that I carried an extension belt in my pocket, because I was too embarrassed to ask the cabin crew for one. I was constantly hot and out of breath. Even talking was hard work. When I slept, I felt the weight pushing down on my neck and chest. Yet, I never let it get me down; I joined in wherever I could and enjoyed life.
What gave you the push to begin your weight loss journey?
I've tried everything from Slimming World to Rosemary Connolly. Each time I would shed a few stones, but, when I had so much to lose, it wasn’t enough. Getting on the scales every week for someone to clap because I lost a pound wasn’t for me. It was exactly like the Peter Kay sketch! Now, we all know that whole foods and good fats are better for you than processed rubbish. I trained 4 times a week with a PT for 3 years and whilst I didn't lose a lot of weight, I was strong and fit. I walked for miles and enjoyed HIIT and gladiator training as well as CrossFit. But now? I can't even lift a hair clip!
What happened when you stopped training?
The weight piled back on. My job forced me to stop. I ended up being employed again, becoming an account manager travelling 1000 miles weekly. I didn’t have time to do anything for myself, resulting in me reverting back to old habits. I didn’t bother with fitness for years, until I joined CPASE in 2021.
Talk me through your workout plan and how you use it to maintain your figure:
When I first joined, I was swimming half a mile, six mornings a week, as well as walking. I eventually increased to a mile every morning, followed by Beauty Light Therapy. Now, I swim over three miles, five days a week. Since the Ice Bath has arrived at CPASE, I use it every time I swim for three minutes followed by twenty minutes in the Infrared Sauna.
Do you have to psych yourself up for the Ice Bath?
No. I love it! After I had knee surgery I was actually looking forward to getting back in. For me, it's entirely mental. Although, as I’ve lost weight, it is a lot colder!
What's your favourite thing about being a member at CPASE?
Accountability; it makes me come, every day. I love the fact that there's only me and another member in at 6:30am - it's like my own private pool! Obviously, the facilities are fantastic.
You've utilised tools such as the gastric sleeve, and more recently, GLP-1s. What is your honest opinion on them?
I had a gastric sleeve in 2015 at my heaviest: 26 stone 4lbs. I lost eight stone in the first year. However, I would never have it done again. The restriction is irreversible and I hate that it impacts my daily life. For example, I can't drink for two hours after I've eaten so I need to drink before I eat, otherwise I end up really thirsty.
I started taking GLP-1s about two years ago, prescribed by my doctor. They work by slowing down your stomach, so you feel satiated for longer, which is a double-edged sword because my stomach has been reduced in size. Within a year I lost a further five stone. In my experience. In my experience they are brilliant and I wish that it had been available at the beginning of my journey.
Now, I take it once a month, or if I feel that my food consumption is creeping back up. It’s my security blanket. Unfortunately, the food noise comes back after a couple of weeks of not taking it. However, two of the best things GLP-1 has done for me are completely eliminating my sweet tooth, and more importantly, giving me control.
I had a full blood screening done, and I have no health issues at all now. My risk of cardiovascular disease is down to 3%, my blood pressure is healthy and my cholesterol is low. I have even reversed my diabetes.
You're an amazing cook. How has your weight loss goal impacted your cooking?
I still cook exactly the same. I make food from scratch, with fresh ingredients. I tend to fast until midday. In the morning, I have my matcha and all of my supplements, including magnesium, B12, D3 and more recently, The Golden Pill.
For lunch, I normally have a protein wrap with chicken, tomatoes and a little mayo. If I want a few bits of chocolate or a packet of crisps, I will eat it, I've lost weight just being normal. Living by the rule of “everything in moderation” ensures I am getting all the nutrients my body needs.
Clare interviewing Judith
As an avid holiday goer, do you have any tips to not sabotage all your hard work?
I consistently swim and walk, even on holiday. I love sightseeing and use the Citymapper app to plan my route. We are up early and always first for breakfast at 7am and straight off sightseeing, getting our steps in first thing and then back in time to swim and chill by lunchtime.
What advice would you give to someone looking into losing weight?
Maintain a good balance of exercise and eat well but make healthy choices. At the weekend, give yourself a break and don't be obsessive about it, because that could lead you to fail.
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