Lockdown Slimdown shortlister, Jo Jones, can’t wait to walk down the aisle in the dress of her dreams after losing more than three stone during the pandemic.
COVID-19 meant bride-to-be Jo, 36, had to postpone her big day.
The PA knew it was the opportunity to put a bad wedding dress fitting experience firmly behind her. And she used lockdown to find lose weight with The 1:1 Diet.
“I had just got engaged and was terrified of walking down the aisle, looking like a giant meringue and Jon dropping me on the floor while he attempted to carry me over the threshold,” said Jo.
“I took a leap of faith and popped into a wedding dress shop. I chose a dress I liked but the assistant said, ‘I don’t have that in your size to try I’m afraid, darling’.
“I picked up another dress but again, the assistant said it wouldn’t suit my shape. I was absolutely mortified.”
“Then COVID hit and I had to push my wedding back by 10 months to June 2021.”
The catalyst for Jo to lose weight wasn’t only a desire to fit into a beautiful wedding dress. She was concerned about the growing link between obesity and COVID-19.
“More worryingly, I began to listen to the daily news briefings and was aware there was a link between being overweight and dying of the illness,” she said.
Reality hit and Jo knew her health needed to be at the top of her agenda. Her weight had crept on through years of working in an office, with her hand constantly in the biscuit tin, seeing Jo going from a size 8/10 to an uncomfortable 14/16.
“Someone recommended The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan and I found Consultant Abigail Bush,” said Jo. “I chose her because she mentioned in her profile that she had lost weight for her wedding. She became my mentor and has been a fantastic support through this pandemic.
“I instantly felt like we understood each other, and we kept in touch by video. I was grateful Abi could still find a way to help me when both my mental and physical health was at its worst.
“The results were staggering I have dropped three dress sizes and lost the equivalent in weight to my Australian Labradoodle!”
Jo says she feels much healthier, slowly building her fitness up and now runs and walks her dog up hills without feeling out of breath.
“The 1:1 Diet has enabled me to adopt a new routine based around healthy eating habits for people on the go. I’ve now got my self-esteem back, helped along by lots of positive comments from friends and family.
“I’m proud to report my diary is packed with wedding dress shopping dates and I can’t wait to walk down the aisle next year and, prepare to dazzle!”