A TEENAGER who was being treated for obesity-related diabetes has shed an incredible 11 stone and his prescription in just over a year.

 

Radek Dychalski, 19, lost almost half his bodyweight with the help of a new pilot scheme, which gives dangerously overweight teens one-to-one support to shed the pounds.

British Heart Foundation Scotland launched the pilot - the first of its kind - after a Scottish Health Survey showed that 64.3% of Scots aged 16 and over are either overweight or obese.

At 5ft 4inches Radek, was 25 stone with a BMI of 60 with a waist size of 54 inches.

He was on medication for people likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes - which normally affects the overweight in middle age.

People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Around 43 young people in Glasgow signed up for the Weight to Go scheme, run by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which offers free membership to Glasgow Club and slimming club membership.

Teens are assigned a 'gym champion' who mentors them to get fit and helps identify the reasons why they have put on weight with nutritional advice to help them lose it.

Teens are a offered a 12-week programme of support and can apply for a further 3 months if they can demonstrate they have used the free services.

Radek Dychalski, 19, admits he comfort ate after moving from his Polish homeland to Glasgow seven years ago at the age of 12.

He said: "I ate a lot of crisps and sweets and wasn't doing any exercise. I've always been overweight.

"When I moved to Glasgow, I couldn't speak English, it was very difficult.

"I was eating a lot of junk food like sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks.

"It was hard giving up things like fizzy drinks and crips. I used to say to myself, I'll not have any sweets tomorrow and then built it up.

"I've really cut my portion sizes, if I have sandwiches, I won't have ketchup. They taught me that small changes make a difference. The best thing is being able to go shopping and buy any clothes that I want.

"The programme is good and is a really good motivator."

Radek now weighs a healthier 13 stones and his waist has been whittled down to 36inches but hopes to lose a bit more weight.

He goes to the gym six times a week, has been taken off the medication and is looking forward to going to University to study accountancy.

The scheme also links in with Jobs & Business Glasgow as the managers found it gave a lot of the young people fresh confidence to enter the jobs market.

The service is being managed and co-ordinated by the Youth Health Service at Glasgow City Community Health Partnership, part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Ashley Sarafilovic has lost nearly three stone after signing up in May and says the scheme has boosted her entire family's health.

She said: "I now have lots more confidence. I started Weight to Go for health reasons and to have more confidence. I would advise anyone to go through the programme. The good thing about it is the great support you get from Kate and her team at the Youth Health Service as well as at the weight loss class.

"You also need support from your family.

"My mum has been great making sure there are no temptations and that there is always something that I can eat. We've all been having the meals and the whole family has enjoyed it."

Her mum Ashley said: "I'm very proud of her. She's going great guns. She's been following the Slimming World plan and it's been very enjoyable. We're a very foodie family, but on this diet we are never hungry.

Stephanie Weightman lost two stone, four pounds in 30 weeks.

She said: "Kate was very encouraging and I could talk to her about anything. "

Gina Weightman (mum) said: "I went with her to Weightwatchers to encourage her and lost two stone as well.

"It's been good for the whole family: we eat better and even my husband is taking part. This whole programme has made me think about what I'm eating and I'm finding myself choosing healthy options now. I've also seen Stephanie's confidence increase, which is great."

Fauzia Saddiq has lost two stone over the last six months.

She said: "I'd advise anyone who wants to lose weight to only do it when they are ready. You need to be in the right mindset to do it. It can be difficult at times, but you need to just stick with it."

Proud mum Kalsoom said: "She's walking more, to and from college. She's going cycling in the better weather. She's much more active and has a lot more confidence in herself. She even made a speech recently which she would never have done before."

For more information about the scheme go to www.yhs-ng.co.uk pr call 0141 531 8718