A teacher forced into early retirement due to multiple health conditions says her former life is barely recognisable after dropping more than seven stones. Kheira Ghachi had watched her weight climb following the deaths of two close family members within 12 months.

Using food as a source of comfort, she found herself approaching 15st thanks to a diet dominated by frozen pizzas, chocolate spread on toast, and packets of sweets and crisps. However, already managing several health conditions, it was a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis that proved the turning point for transforming her life.

The 56-year-old signed up to her local Slimming World group following a referral from her social prescriber. Sinceshedding 7st 5lbs (46.9kg), she has dramatically improved her health, including putting her Type 2 diabetes into remission, , reports Coventry Live.

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Kheira, from Wilbarston, Northamptonshire, says: "In 2008 I lost my father and soon after, my older brother. Though I'd been living in England for a while, I'm originally from France and I was still very close to my family back home. I turned to food for comfort and to ease my grief.

"I put a smile on my face during the day for my students and colleagues but once I got home, I reached for frozen pizzas and high calorie ready meals, and I wouldn't think anything of eating a whole packet of croissants in one sitting. Slowly, my weight crept up and I was diagnosed with depression..

"I'd had a form of arthritis from an early age which affected my joints and feet and my skin, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, asthma and sleep apnoea on the top of my existing hearing loss. I eventually had to retire due to my health.

"After leaving my job, I isolated myself. I rarely left the house, and I lost all confidence in myself.

"After living in England for three decades, I became a British citizen in 2021. I was proud and excited, but my self-esteem was once again knocked on seeing photos from the ceremony and realising how big I looked.

"Only a few days later, I received results from a blood test which confirmed I was living with type 2 diabetes. My doctor also told me my weight put me at greater risk of developing further health conditions, including heart issues. I was put in touch with a social prescriber who told me about a programme where I could join Slimming World for free."

Slimming World on Referral is a partnership initiative with the NHS which offers people living with excess weight access to a 12-week weight management programme from Slimming World. It's currently available in 72 locations throughout the UK.

Kheira recalls: "It wasn't until January 2023 when I first walked through my Slimming World group doors. I was very nervous, but my Consultant Angela greeted me like a friend.

"After Angela explained the healthy eating plan, it felt like something I could do and I was excited. As soon as the group ended, I went and bought fresh fruit and veg, lean meats and other healthy buys to try out all the Slimming World recipes which had caught my eye, like cottage pie and crustless quiche.

"I lost 4½lbs in my first week. And as the weight came off, my confidence and belief in myself grew. I started to contribute more in my Slimming World group, like sharing photos of the recipes I cooked at home, and going to the group soon became the highlight of my week.

"As well as improving my mental wellbeing, by losing weight, I'm sleeping better, and after a routine blood test I was told my type 2 diabetes was in remission. I still take immunosuppressant medication and have to take care of my health but I'm no longer hiding myself away. My old life is now unrecognisable to me!"

Kheira's transformation supports findings published in the journal Archives of Diabetes & Obesity, which demonstrated that individuals living with type 2 diabetes can enhance their condition management through adopting healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and shedding pounds via Slimming World's structured approach. The study revealed that 33.9% of those with type 2 diabetes reported their condition had gone into remission, a figure that rose to 51% for those who'd shed at least 10% of their body weight.

In addition, 61% were able to cut down or completely stop their diabetes medication and an impressive 81% saw improvements in their blood glucose management.

Diabetes UK estimates that a staggering 1.3 million people are currently living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Dr Sarah-Elizabeth Bennett, Senior Research Associate at Slimming World said: "The improvements Kheira has made to her health are inspiring and our research shows many members experience similar outcomes."

She added: "The study shows how 80% of the Slimming World members polled reported an improved quality of life while managing health conditions after following the weight loss support programme. Slimming World's flexible healthy eating plan can be easily tailored for members like Kheira to fit their individual needs and to make sure it's in line with the dietary advice from their healthcare professional.

"Members living with diabetes are given tailored resources – including a dedicated booklet created in partnership with Diabetes UK. Slimming World's partnership with Diabetes UK strengthens our support for members living with diabetes and enables us to further deepen our understanding of the challenges and misconceptions people living with diabetes face."

Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK, expressed: "We are proud to be working with Slimming World, supporting members who are living with all types of diabetes, or at risk of type 2 diabetes. By combining our expertise on weight loss, long-term healthy eating and diabetes, we are committed to helping people build healthier habits and live healthier lives."

Angela Walker, who leads the Desborough Slimming World group and is Kheira's Consultant, said: "Since walking through those doors almost two years ago, Kheira has changed dramatically. Yes, she's lost weight and improved her health which is incredible, but she's also flourished as a person.

"Kheira is vibrant, kind, and compassionate, and now has the confidence to share and help other members with their own weight-loss journey. I'm so proud of Kheira, and happy to have played a role in helping her create healthy habits for life!"

Height: 5ft (152cm).

Weight Loss: 7st 5lbs (46.7kg).

Joining weight: 14st 10½ lbs (93.7kg).

Current weight: 7st 5½lbs (46.9kg).

Breakfast: Up to four pastries or four slices of toast with chocolate spread and a hot chocolate.

Lunch: Shop bought sandwiches and salads with full fat dressings.

Dinner: Frozen pizza or a shop bought high calorie ready meal.

Snacks: Croissants and chocolate bars, crisps and sweets.

Breakfast: Weetabix or oats (overnight, baked, or cooked) served with fat free yogurt and lots of fresh berries, and a coffee with almond milk.

Lunch: A homemade salad with her own fat-free dressing, followed by a serving of fruit.

Dinner: Homemade meals such as vegetable stir fry, curry, cottage pie, or spaghetti bolognese using wholemeal pasta or brown rice, or Slimming World chips and crustless quiche.

Snacks: Fruit paired with fat-free Greek yoghurt.