Driving instructor praises NHS after shedding 8 stone

The 48-year-old driving instructor ate so much that he ended up being treated for type 2 diabetes and became dependant on insulin injections.

Weighing in at 22.5 stone he would struggle for breath and break into a sweat every time he walked to his car.

Eventually he could no longer ignore his massive weight gain and was referred to Upbeat the GP exercise referral scheme, a joint venture by NHS Calderdale and Calderdale Council.

Upbeat is a free 10 weeks course in exercise and weight management for people with heart disease, at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, or who are overweight.

Mr Sinclair of Nelson Street, Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax, said: "It crept on gradually but it got to the point where I drove round to the shop to get a newspaper or some milk because I felt so uncomfortable.

"I ended up with diabetes and had to be put on insulin. This led to me gaining even more weight. It turned into a vicious circle, every time I gained more weight my insulin had to be increased to balance things out. "

He joined the Upbeat class in Brighouse where weight management co-ordinator, Linda Cooper explained how to eat a healthy balanced diet.

Mr Sinclair said it was the first time he had been offered encouragement without feeling looked down on.

He has since lost over eight stones in 12 months and no longer needs insulin. He now only uses his car for work and walks everywhere else covering around five miles a day.

"I can't believe how easy it is to lose weight when you are given the right advice and encouragement. Having lost so much weight I am now off insulin for my diabetes.

"I am still losing weight, another three or four stone would be nice but my ultimate goal is to get off all my diabetes medication altogether.''