It might seem hard to imagine by looking at recent photos, but it was just two years ago that Kym Reeve, aged 36, from Mornington Tasmania, weighed 105.5 kg. At that time she was struggling to control her type 2 diabetes, lacked energy and wasn’t happy with her appearance. Struggling with low self-esteem and over-indulging on food, she would rarely exercise and had resigned herself to the idea that she was just meant to be 'a bigger girl'.
But in early 2005, Kym decided that she had had enough; things needed to change. She joined Weight Watchers, but she surprised even herself when she won the ‘Weight Watchers’ Slimmer of the Year for 2005’.
With a strong family history of diabetes, Kym was well aware of the impact of the disease and the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. When Kym finished her schooling, however, her weight became an issue as she fell into a lifestyle of unhealthy eating and limited physical activity. Changing seemed too difficult.
In November of 1996, Kym was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This led to years of unsuccessful dieting and struggles with her weight.
Two years ago, she realised something had to be done. With her mother in tow, Kym joined Weight Watchers and a process of immense change began. Kym explains that, at this point, it was all about commitment and an intense desire to change her circumstances.
With the assistance of Weight Watchers, Kym began to make changes and learn skills that would ultimately change her attitude around weight-loss. It changed how she viewed food and she learnt how to control her portion size and energy intake. Along with this, Kym began exercising regularly. Kym felt that one of the most useful tips for exercising she learnt was that every little bit counts. Even if it means turning the act of housework into a mini-workout or chasing the kids around the garden, it all adds up and makes a difference in the long-run.
As her weight loss transformation began and she saw the instantaneous health and personal benefits that were occurring, it was enough to spur Kym on to lose 45 kg steadily over twelve months and to maintain her fabulous new weight, even now, two years on. This is the most important aspect of Kym’s weight loss. She learnt the valuable skills needed to continue to look after herself and to not regain the weight which is where people most often struggle. These skills quite simply are adopting good eating habits and leading an active lifestyle.
As a result, Kym’s diabetes is now easier to manage. Immediately after her weight loss, a blood test revealed that her blood glucose levels were stable. She now only has to have yearly blood tests to check her blood glucose levels and no longer requires daily medications. In talking about the effect that her weight loss has had on her diabetes, Kym says that the most practical advice she can give to people with type 2 diabetes is to “do as much as you can to be active. Every kilo of weight that is lost will lead make a difference to your health, or at the very least, leave you feeling great.”
Kym is now a Weight Watchers leader and loves teaching others what she has learnt. Her new job is reflective of the confidence she has gained since her weight loss: Kym mentioned that only a couple of years ago, she felt so uneasy in public that she often couldn’t look people in the eye and she dreaded social situations.
Her outlook on her life now is inspiring; she notes how confident and energetic she feels and how she can now join in with her children instead of being a spectator.
Kym’s sleeping patterns have improved and she wakes up feeling refreshed and motivated. Recently, Kym successfully completed the Hobart Point to Pinnacle 21.5 km marathon which is one of Tasmania’s most popular and challenging running events, something she mentions that she would have never dreamed of doing in the past.
Her advice to others?
“For those that say that they are too busy, can’t be bothered or don’t think that they can: Just do it. Stop putting it off as the outcome is entirely worthwhile.”