Gerri had tried all kinds of diets but finally found one that worked after illness was ‘the final straw’
A woman who had always struggled with her body image and gained weight after having two children says it was ‘the final straw’ when she hit 17 stone 6 lbs, was diagnosed with diabetes and was told there were no clothes in a shop that would fit her.
Gerri Walters, 59, decided to make a change after the hotel shop on holiday had no clothes in her size, and she found herself being ushered into another shop in the street – which only catered for plus-size people. She was battling low confidence, painful joints and the struggles of taking daily medication, while years of trying different diets left her disheartened.
Gerri, from Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, said the problems started in childhood, adding: “I was tall for my age but always seemed to have very petite friends. Clothes and shoes always looked nicer in smaller sizes, leaving me feeling like a frumpy giant.
“I married in my late twenties and had my two sons within two years. I gained even more weight, blaming pregnancy. I always worked, so I relied heavily on convenience foods and snacking.”
Working as a secondary school teacher while raising two young boys, Tom and Jon, meant her busy lifestyle and dependence on quick, easy meals caused her health to slip further down her list of priorities. But in 2018, her life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
“It was picked up through a routine blood test, but by the time it was detected, the disease had already progressed significantly, and I was immediately put on medication,” Gerri explains. “I had no symptoms, so it came as a complete shock. Suddenly, I had tablets to take and six-monthly eye and foot checks to attend. It was incredibly daunting.
“Around the same time, I started a new relationship with my partner, Malcolm. We were very happy, but we also ate out a lot – gigs, festivals, restaurants – having fun but eating terribly. My weight crept up to 17 stone, my joints ached and I felt miserable.”
Another turning point came in the summer of 2023 during a family holiday in Turkey. What was meant to be a relaxing break was overshadowed by self-consciousness. Gerri hated the holiday photos and realised she was letting her weight stop her from enjoying life.
“My weight was holding me back, and I realised I needed to make real changes,” she says. “The only thing that spoiled the holiday for me was my weight. I felt extremely self-conscious around the pool, and when I visited the hotel shop to look at clothes, the manager told me he didn’t have anything in my size.
“Later, when a shopkeeper in town tried to wave me into a shop, I noticed it catered only for plus sizes. I was mortified. I was reluctant when the hotel photographer wanted to take family pictures but eventually agreed. I hated almost every photo with me in it, and we only bought a couple to take home.
“Even now, when I look at them, the first thing I remember is how awful I felt – not the amazing holiday we had.”
Gerri decided she needed to make a change, and Malcolm joined a diet club with her. She did lose some weight, but it quickly returned as she still hadn’t learned how to be in control of her eating. “In the past, I had always been a yo-yo dieter,” she says. “Whenever I complained about my weight or having nothing to wear, my ex-husband would say he loved me regardless, but that if it bothered me, I should ‘do something about it’.
“So off I’d go to the local slimming club, full of determination, only to fail repeatedly due to a lack of support at home.” After Gerri returned from her holiday in Turkey, she reached out to a friend who had previously had great success with The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan – and that changed everything.
The friends decided to do the programme together with a local Consultant, Pavlina. “From that first meeting, I knew this was different,” Gerri remembers. “Pav was so positive that I genuinely believed I could succeed.”
Gerri started on Step 1 of the plan in August 2023 and noticed a difference straight away. “It was like an epiphany; I didn’t need a huge plate of food to feel full,” she said. “The products were tasty and convenient, and I wasn’t hungry or grumpy like I’d expected.
“With Pavlina’s weekly check-ins, guidance and encouragement, I thrived. The support made all the difference. Pav kept me accountable without ever making me feel guilty. If I had an off day, she reminded me how far I’d come. Mal continued to support me too, still cooking at home and cheering me on. The biggest change for me was realising I didn’t need huge portions to be satisfied.
“With the diet, I get all the vitamins and nutrients I need without worrying about what to pack for lunch or cook in the evening. Structured meals and snacks mean I can enjoy a shake, soup or portion-controlled dinner, fitting everything around my busy schedule while still enjoying treats like my favourite Halloween bars.”
Gerri lost 3st 10lbs and dropped from a size 22 to a size 14 within a year of starting the diet. Most importantly, her blood sugars returned to completely normal levels, and she was able to come off all diabetes medication. “Everyone has noticed the difference,” Gerri adds. “I finally fitted into a size 14 pair of jeans for the first time in over 30 years, since before my sons were born. I feel healthier, stronger and happier than ever. My joints no longer ache, and I no longer need steroid injections for my knees.
“I’ve rediscovered my zest for life: walking my dog, taking part in amateur dramatics and even becoming a model! If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be doing photoshoots in London at 59, I’d have laughed!
“But there I was – hair and makeup done, posing in public and feeling fabulous. I finally like what I see in the mirror.”
Gerri wants to encourage others who have struggled with weight gain to stick with their diet plans, but to be kind to themselves and flexible around their targets. “My biggest piece of advice is to stay flexible and don’t feel you need to set huge targets from day one,” she adds.
“Start with goals that fit around your life, not the other way around. As you discover what works for you, your plan can evolve. Big results are motivating, but aiming too high too soon can become overwhelming. With a 1:1 Diet Consultant, you have a personal cheerleader encouraging you to set realistic steps that keep you progressing without burning out.
“Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Give it time. Allow yourself to enjoy life along the way – this isn’t about saying no to everything you love. A good plan should help you build trust in yourself, develop sustainable habits and maintain your progress long-term.
“I knew I wanted to help other people feel this good, so I became a Consultant myself. It’s an amazing feeling to see others succeed when they once believed, like I did, that they could never lose weight for good. I want my story to show that type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to define your life. If I can reverse it and take back control of my health, anyone can. I hope it inspires others to take action before it’s too late.”
