A Buckinghamshire teacher has transformed her health, shedding an impressive 66 pounds and reversing her type 2 diabetes, after a distressing holiday experience became her final motivation for change.
A Lifetime of Struggles and a Diabetes Diagnosis
Gerri Walters, 59, from Haddenham, had battled with her weight and body image since childhood. The mother of two saw her weight increase further after having her sons, and her busy life as a secondary school teacher led to a reliance on convenience foods. In 2018, a routine blood test delivered a shocking diagnosis: type 2 diabetes. The disease was advanced enough that she was immediately put on medication, requiring regular check-ups and daily tablets.
Despite starting a new, happy relationship with her partner Malcolm, their social lifestyle of eating out at gigs and restaurants saw her weight creep up to 17 stone 6lbs. Gerri suffered from painful joints and low confidence, feeling that her weight was holding her back from fully enjoying her life.
The Holiday That Changed Everything
The pivotal moment came during a family holiday to Turkey in the summer of 2023. Gerri felt extremely self-conscious around the pool and was devastated when the hotel shop manager told her they had no clothes in her size. Later, in a town, a shopkeeper tried to usher her into a store that catered exclusively to plus sizes. "I was mortified," she recalls.
The experience was compounded when she hated the family holiday photos, realising her weight was spoiling precious memories. "The only thing that spoiled the holiday for me was my weight," Gerri said. This series of events became the catalyst she needed to seek a lasting solution, having previously tried and failed with various slimming clubs where she felt a lack of support.
Finding the Right Support and Stunning Results
Upon returning home, Gerri contacted a friend who had success with The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan. She and her friend started the programme together in August 2023 with a local Consultant named Pavlina. The structured plan, featuring convenient shakes, soups, and portion-controlled meals, was a revelation. "It was like an epiphany; I didn't need a huge plate of food to feel full," Gerri explained.
The weekly support and accountability from her Consultant were crucial. Within a year, Gerri lost 3 stone 10lbs (66lbs), dropping from a size 22 to a size 14—a size she hadn't worn in over 30 years. Most significantly, her blood sugar levels returned to normal and she was able to stop all her diabetes medication.
Her health transformed: joint pain vanished, she no longer needs steroid injections for her knees, and she has rediscovered her zest for life. In an incredible turn, Gerri has even begun a new chapter as a model, participating in photoshoots in London. So inspired by her journey, she has now trained to become a Consultant herself to help others.
Advice for Others on a Weight Loss Journey
Gerri's key message for anyone struggling is to be kind to themselves and set realistic goals. "Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint," she advises. "Start with goals that fit around your life, not the other way around... A good plan should help you build trust in yourself and develop sustainable habits."
She hopes her story proves that type 2 diabetes does not have to be a life sentence. "If I can reverse it and take back control of my health, anyone can," Gerri states. "I hope it inspires others to take action before it's too late."
