GRx Success Story - Margaret Goff

Meet Margaret, a 43 year old Nelson mum who has changed her life with her determination to lose weight and regain good health.

12 months ago Margaret's 128kg bodyweight was causing her problems. With diabetes in her family, a history of knee and leg problems caused by an old injury, and a small child to look after, Margaret felt constantly tired, not motivated and that 'nothing was happening' - she was very worried about 'everything getting worse'.

She decided it was time to step up and make some changes.Initially Margaret tried a weight-loss drink which, if successful, would mean she could earn a 'free gym membership' - so she stuck to the regime and did see some weight loss. But inevitably Margaret's body reached a plateau, nothing new was happening, and she knew the only way to sustain a normal healthy weight loss was to get support with her exercise and nutrition.

Margaret had heard about Green Prescription and so when she saw her doctor, Rob Riley, she asked him to prescribe 'green' for her. Margaret was contacted by her personal Patient Support person Bee and together they looked at ideas for making some physical activity and nutrition goals and would fit into Margaret's daily family life.

She was encouraged to cut down on her portion sizes and took the initiative to use a smaller plate at meal times - easy! Margaret's physical activity goals included daily walks with her son and a visit to the Green Prescription 'WaterWorx' aqua class. Here she was met at the door, encouraged to give it a go and absolutely loved the freedom of movement in the warm water - and the fun of the class!

With the kilos slowly and steadily starting to come off Margaret knew she was on the right track. She had enlisted the help of her mum and family to help with child-care so she could get to the pool - and was then lucky enough to find a gym membership for sale on TradeMe for a very low price so she snapped that up to add to her weekly routine of physical activity. With expert advice from gym staff Margaret persevered with her walking on a treadmill and strengthening her leg muscles to support her knee. Margaret noticed she was starting to feel more energetic, had less pain in her leg, could get down onto the floor (and up again!) and knew she was coping with daily stresses in a much healthier way. She felt happy!

Four months on Margaret recently dusted off her bike and the family enjoyed a weekend bike ride - something she hadn't thought she would do. Having now lost an amazing 20kgs Margaret is still managing her portion sizes, looking at food information when she does the grocery shopping and consistently making 'Margaret-time' for aqua fun classes and gym sessions an essential part of her week. Margaret credits her husband and son for helping her stay on track, helping her stick to her classes and knows they are her biggest fans!

As a person who now happily help others get more active, Margaret says 'without doubt just get a Green Prescription - and be prepared to do the work. You'll meet people, make friends and just feel better'.

Congratulations Margaret, you are an inspiration!

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