Chance event starts journey to slimmer, healthier, happier Neil

When Neil Spofforth was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in September 2022, he didn't immediately connect it with his weight.

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Doctors had been advising him for years to lose a couple of stones, but he never truly accepted that he was overweight: despite the numbers and the official 'obese' category Neil fell into, he just wasn't able to see himself that way.

"But by the end of 2024, everything changed," said Neil. "My mental health was suffering and I felt stuck. A routine GP appointment repeated the same warning - lose weight.

"That same evening, by chance, I saw an advert for a food tracking app. I downloaded it and began noting everything I ate.

"That one step was the beginning of everything that followed."

Even with the house filled with festive treats over Christmas, Neil stayed mindful of what he was eating.

His partner Kate - who had previously been a Slimming World member-suggested they join together in January 2025.

"That decision has been life-changing," said Neil.

Reclaiming health and regaining confidence

What started as a commitment to lose weight quickly turned into something bigger for Neil.