A COUNTY Durham pensioner has spoken about his pride of being able to tie his shoelaces again after losing over two stone during a weight loss mission that he started during the pandemic.

When he first started his journey to getting fitter and healthier, 85-year-old Bryan Noke weighed 13 stone seven pounds – and suffered from severe hip joint pain.

After a routine annual check-up at the doctors, Mr Noke highlights that this was his ‘crossroads’ moment after his average blood glucose levels came back at 42, which put him at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

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Despite already living a relatively health lifestyle, he wanted to improve his health and was referred onto the Healthier You programme, which helps people tackle their weight issues and maintain consistency on a healthier lifestyle.

Looking back now, the County Durham resident believes that the initial doctor’s appointment, where it was revealed that he could develop diabetes, scared him into action.

Since joining the health programme, Bryan has learnt about portion sizes, including cutting out alcohol and sugary foods.

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He said: “I was told if I joined the programme, and was successful in losing weight, and make some small changes to my lifestyle, then I could reduce that down, to give myself the best chance of not developing diabetes.”

“I started making those small changes like cutting out the doughnuts, chocolate, alcohol, and cream cakes. Things I just didn’t realise were so high in points. I still have them if I want, but I’m now more aware of the nutritional content. I have become more inventive in trying out new ingredients and make interesting soups.”

Overall, since taking action on his health, Mr Noke now weighs 11 stone, five pounds, which equates to 14 per cent of his previous body weight and has lost three inches round his waist.

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But that’s not the only change for the pensioner, after now being able to tie his own shoelaces – something that he struggled with previously.

He added: “My hip pain has reduced considerably although my hamstrings and other leg muscles ache. I assume this is due to reduction in muscle and I hope to improve this with more gym work. I can now tie my shoelaces which I struggled with before and I’m more flexible. 

“I have had several comments about how well I look which encourages me to continue. I have not found following the health plan difficult, and I think the threat, and avoiding diabetes is incentive enough.”

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