Lifestyle change a winning weigh

CHANGED LIFESTYLE: Catherine Jackson, pictured with her children Daniel and Sarah in 2006.

AN INSPIRATION: Dr Catherine Jackson, pictured with Weight Watchers Australasia managing director Joseph Saad, is the Weight Watchers Slimmer of the Year.

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Losing weight has changed Catherine Jackson’s life in more ways than one.

At her heaviest the Ellerslie resident weighed in at 106.8kg and suffered weight-related stress and depression.

As a doctor she was used to saving other people’s lives but after her own weight began to creep up and she found herself facing a future of chronic disease, Dr Jackson realised she needed to take some drastic action in order to save her own life.

“It sounds cliched, but my decision to lose weight has totally changed my life.

“As the weight started to pile on, I gave up my job as a doctor because I was so embarrassed about the state of my own health,” she says.

“Now that I’ve lost so much weight, I’ve been able to return to work and feel much more comfortable discussing the importance of a healthy waistline with my patients.”

Dr Jackson has lost 40kg thanks to an “inspiring journey” that led to a total diet, exercise and lifestyle transformation.

As a result of her efforts the 38-year-old has been named a finalist in the Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards.

She beat hundreds of other Kiwi entrants who lost a combined weight of almost 2511.75kg.

“When I found out I was a New Zealand finalist, I was overwhelmed to say the least. While I am so proud of what I have achieved, all the Healthy Life Award entrants have amazing stories to share following their weight loss,” Dr Jackson says.

Weight Watchers spokeswoman Clair Cameron says the awards recognise members’ commitments to learning about and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“Catherine is an inspiration to all who seek to tilt the scales and kickstart their journey to a healthier lifestyle,” Ms Cameron says.

A national winner will be announced on November 24.

- Weight Watchers is donating $1 for each kilogram lost by entrants to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

- © Fairfax NZ News