Meet Linda, a retired nurse from Doncaster who’s gearing up to celebrate her 59th birthday this February. After spending her entire career taking care of others, she decided that it was finally time to focus on herself.
We caught up with Linda to find out how she reclaimed her health by losing an incredible 24kg (and counting!) thanks to Voy’s weight loss programme.
‘Before and After’ weight loss results from the Voy programme
My doctor put me on a diet when I was 9
I’ve always been a big girl – bigger than my two brothers even. When I was 9, my growing weight was flagged by the doctor, and I went on a strict low-calorie diet. It was awful, I just remember being so hungry all the time.
At my first weigh-in, I’d actually gained a pound. Much to my horror, the doctor told me I couldn’t have any birthday cake, and it was then that my mum realised this restrictive diet wasn’t right.
After that, it wasn’t until my twenties that I started to notice I was the larger one in my friendship group. Growing up, my mum made all my clothes, so I didn’t have to face the numbers on the tags when trying on clothes in shops. She even made my wedding dress, so size wasn’t a motivator for me then either.
When menopause hit, so did the weight gain
My weight skyrocketed when I reached my fifties and menopause took hold. My metabolism plummeted and clothes that once fit me no longer zipped up. For years, I’d been overweight but stable at around 100kg. Then suddenly, the numbers climbed – 102, 103, 104 – until I hit my heaviest at 115kg.
I was terrified that I was walking in an early grave. Miserable, I found myself scrolling through Facebook when a Voy advert popped up, and it felt like the right time.
I didn’t think it was possible to lose 24kg in 6 months
As soon as the little Voy box arrived on my doorstep, I was so impressed with how comprehensive the weight loss programme is. I started seeing results from the medication really quickly – I felt more in control from the very first medication.
But what really stood out was the medical guidance that came with it. The support from Voy has been fantastic. Everything was easy to use, and the whole process – including helpful little emails letting me know about changes to my dosage – was super smooth.
After just one month using Voy, I’d dropped 5kg. Now, six months in, I’m down to 91kg! The weight loss has been less dramatic in recent months, as my body’s got used to the medication, but it’s been steady and I’m loving the results.
Losing weight doesn’t feel like a chore anymore
I’ll admit I was a bit sceptical about how much a coach could really help when I started using Voy. But I absolutely love my coach, Rachel. She’s helped me so much, not by telling me what to do, but by helping me think things through at my own pace and ask myself the right questions.
It’s all on my terms and she’s happy to work around my schedule. Rachel just helps me look at things objectively and assess what works for my body. It’s not about blaming myself or my choices – it’s about making achievable changes that fit into my life. None of it feels restrictive, and that’s been a game-changer.
I’m a happier, more positive person
I feel like a whole new person now. I have more energy and I actually want to go out, enjoy myself and make memories with my family. I’m saying yes to things I never would have before – like looking after my granddaughter without worrying about not being able to cope physically. It’s a real joy to play such an active part of her life.
Even my son has been inspired by my journey. Seeing how much this has benefited me, he’s started taking control of his own weight. It’s amazing to know my success has motivated him.
What I wish I’d known before joining Voy
What’s surprised me most is how many things I couldn’t do before and how restricted I was, without even realising it.
My exercise tolerance has shot up and I feel so much more capable. I used to break out in a cold sweat at the mention of exercise (which is ironic, considering I avoided it like the plague), but now I’m a regular at my local swimming pool.
For my 60th birthday, I’ll be setting sail on a 100 day cruise – a proper once in a lifetime adventure. Instead of feeling weighed down by the prospect of dieting when I should be enjoying myself, I know I’ve done the hard work in building healthy habits that keep me on the straight and narrow.
If you’re ready to lose weight for good, we’re here to help. You could lose up to 5X more weight than with diet and exercise alone, so join Voy today and find the happiest, healthiest version of yourself.
