'I lost three stone after a heart attack and now I'm trekking up mountains'
After a terrifying heart attack, Karen McLean feared she might never see her family grow older.
She knew that something had to change after she realised her weight was having a serious impact on her health.
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She struggled with pain in her shoulders, hips, knees and ankles as well as dealing with high blood pressure and cholesterol issues.
And now she is three stone lighter, reduced her medication and regained the mobility she once thought she’s lost forever.
She’s even managed to tackle a mountain trek and Karen credits her remarkable fitness journey to the support from her local Slimming World group in Rothwell.
She said: “I realised my weight was having a serious effect on my health.
“Being overweight affected my health massively and had an impact on my daily life
“I knew it was time to start a new Slimming World journey.”
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Her inspirational transformation has seen her go from walking from zero up to seven miles as well as shifting her mindset.
Karen said: “Life has changed for the better now I can be more active.”
“I have built up my walking from zero to up to seven miles .
“I managed to tackle a mountain trek up to a waterfall. A favourite pastime that I had long since given up on.”
Caroline Sykes, Slimming World consultant, has witnessed the change first hand and said: “Karen’s transformation has been astounding.
“Seeing someone come off so much medication, regain mobility, and genuinely feel well again, that’s the real heart of what we do and I am incredibly proud of her.
“Karen’s consistency has been exceptional. She’s shown up for herself every single week, and that determination has completely transformed her life.”
The family has embraced the changes too, with new recipes, meals cooked from scratch, and healthy habits becoming part of everyday life.
Caroline added: “Karen hasn’t just lost nearly three stone, she’s gained strength, balance, and a new belief in herself.
“Her transformation is the kind that inspires others in group every single week. I couldn’t be prouder of how far she’s come and the healthier life she’s created for herself.”
The Slimming World groups are held at Rothwell Baptist Church every Thursday morning at 7.30am, 9am and 11am.