March 18, 2014
Just over 12 months ago, Kingaroy woman Karen Knights would feel like collapsing after swimming just half a lap at the pool; these days she can do 20 laps without stopping.
And there’s another big difference between the Karen of today and the Karen of January 17 last year … an amazing 50kg, in fact.
This is the weight that Karen has lost in one year, which she solely puts down to the support she has received from fellow members of the Kingaroy Weight Watchers group (and the great recipes the group has shared with her).
The group is led by Wooroolin resident Wendy Turner, who has been a member of Weight Watchers since 2008 and was a volunteer with the group for many years before stepping up recently as leader.
Karen said she felt “such a failure” when she first walked through the doors of the group “but everyone was so supportive, and they gave me the courage to admit that I needed help”.
Wendy said the secret of the weight loss program was “being organised” and to “pace yourself”.
“You learn how to manage your food and how to manage your exercise, as well as temptations and stress,” she said.
“It’s not about eating special food; it’s all about eating the food you want to in the right size portions.
‘We should be teaching this – food and nutrition – at school.”
The Kingaroy group has between 40 and 50 members with a core of about 25-30 “regulars”.
Karen had lost 50kg when she was weighed last Thursday’s meeting but she still aims to lose more – another 30kg! – and she knows she has the support of the rest of the members of the group.
“When I reached the 40kg target, it was like a party at Weight Watchers; and then they did a countdown until I reached 50kg,” she said.
She said losing weight had changed her life … in fact, had given her back a life.
“People treat you differently and you exude a self-confidence,” she said.
“I couldn’t buy clothes in this town that would fit me. I had to buy underwear online from Perth. I couldn’t fit into the seats at the cinema, and they used to set up a special chair for me.
“It was like I had a serious disability, there was just so much I couldn’t do.”
Karen said she was now eating better and tastier food than she did previously, including a lot more fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Kingaroy Weight Watchers group is holding an open day next Thursday (March 27) so local residents can attend a free meeting and learn more about the program.
Guest speakers will share their experiences and there will be food displays – including samples – and members will be on hand to provide helpful hints and tips.
South Burnett Weight Watchers members collectively have lost a staggering 325kg over the past 12 months.
The Open Day will be held from 5:30pm–6:30pm at SB Care (the Kingaroy Senior Citizens Centre).
