A COUPLE say they have 'reversed' their Type 2 diabetes after losing a "life-changing" 12 stone (76kg) between them.

Jackie Lynes, 59, made the decision to lose weight after dealing with a number of health problems including high blood pressure, cholesterol, back and joint pain, and diabetes

Fed up with taking pills to manage these conditions, and knowing deep down that losing weight could only benefit her, she joined her local Weight Watchers meeting in Broadstone. Within four weeks she had lost five per cent of her body weight.

One year on, her total weight loss is 102lb (46kg).

Inspired by her success, Jackie's husband, Dave, also decided to tackle his weight and joined Weight Watchers shortly after her.

Jackie said: "My first day at a Weight Watchers meeting was a huge step for me to take, and I tried to get out of going, but Dave knew so I couldn’t back out.”

Dave's competitive streak soon kicked in, but he said: "We had each other’s support and encouragement, and keeping an eye on each other helped a lot."

The 60-year-old has lost a total of 72lb (32kg) since starting his weight loss programme.

Jackie said other people in the Weight Watchers community helped encourage her in her weight loss goals.

"I have made a lot of friends who are supportive, helpful and inspirational. They are a lovely group," she said.

She added: “I can honestly say the health benefits from the weight loss are huge. We have reversed the diabetic condition - all our other tablets are being reduced dramatically and we expect to come off them completely very soon.

"This is a massive life-changing bonus to us, along with no more pain in our joints and backs. Our energy levels need capping because they are at an all-time high. It is amazing and not a problem as we exercise more.”

After reaching his personal weight goal of 12 stone 4lb (78kg) in November, Dave is maintaining his weight, while Jackie reached her latest goal of 100lb (45kg) in January and has just 13lb (5kg) to go to reach a healthy BMI. She is determined to get there before her birthday in March.

“I will lose this last 13lbs and never go back to how I was," she said.

"I just wish I had lost the weight a long time ago because I really wasn't the happy person that I made out I was and I didn't really like myself that much either. I do like what I see now - I have bones! We feel great and look better; compliments from others keep us focussed to continue with this wonderful lifestyle change we have made. We love it.”