When Tref was young, he worked abroad in physical jobs, which kept him fit. Since returning to the UK and taking a more sedentary position, Tref gained weight. Prompted by his doctor, he has tried dieting over the years. There have been times when Tref has lost some weight, including before having a heart bypass around 15 years ago, and in recent years when his wife was admitted to a care home with Alzheimer’s disease. However, Tref finds dieting difficult to maintain, as he likes good food and drink, I’ve always been conscious that I’m overweight but, as I’ve got older, it has been more difficult to lose weight.

Tref was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 20 years ago. However, he has struggled to manage his diabetes in recent years, which he feels is due to both age and his diet. Tref calls himself a chocoholic, and has found that, living alone, he has started buying ready meals. Tref also finds it harder to stay motivated to lose weight without having his wife to prompt him. He feels that since her illness has progressed, his weight gain may also be in part due to comfort eating.

Tref has found it harder to exercise in recent years. After breaking his ankle, he was unable to go to the gym. He also had knee replacement surgery which wasn’t fully successful. Because of this, Tref started using a stick to walk. However, after trying a mobility scooter whilst on holiday, he decided to buy one. Although Tref tries not to use this all the time, he feels it has contributed to his weight gain, it made me lazy.

Tref’s diabetic nurse and his doctor have recommended that he lose weight in the past. He questioned how important this was at the time, but has started taking his weight loss more seriously since being diagnosed with bowel cancer; he has been told that unless he loses weight, surgery could be too big a risk. Tref’s diabetic nurse has helped him understand why certain foods are bad for him, and has encouraged him to keep a food diary, which has been helpful. Tref is now trying to prepare more food from scratch and reduce his carbohydrate and sugar intake. He has stopped eating red meat, and cut his portion sizes. Tref also tries to make healthy choices, such as changing his cappuccino to a black coffee, and reducing his alcohol intake. Since his cancer diagnosis, Tref is finding making these changes easy, because I’ve got something to aim at. He feels that he will maintain this diet in the long term, I think it’ll be long term now provided I recover from the operation. I will now, I’ve got to.

Tref sees weight management as a question of will power. He feels people have a responsibility to manage their weight, it’s up to the individual. The information is out there‚ You can’t force them, anybody to do it‚. However, Tref feels that healthcare professionals are doing a wonderful job around weight management, and encourages them to continue to continue their work in this area. Tref recommends others to seek support in losing weight, get motivated. You need to talk to somebody or get a family member to motivate you. You need, you need a plan. You need a goal and it’s easier if there’s somebody helping you.