A referral to WW through the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Community Weight Management service has helped Robert Blaikie from Port Glasgow reverse his Type 2 Diabetes and changed his life through sustainable weight loss.
Robert knew he needed to change. At 60 years old he was 17 stone 7 lbs, struggling with Type 2 Diabetes and his BMI was a worryingly high 54.
Everyday tasks were a struggle but his busy job as a social work assistant kept him on his feet all day, and he was getting tired quickly.
A conversation with his GP at Ardgowan Medical Practice in Greenock in January 2025 changed everything when a referral to NHSGGC’s Community Weight Management was raised as a potential solution to Robert’s problems.
Fast forward five months and Robert’s reversed his T2D, three stone lighter and is more active than he’s been in years.
“I knew it was time for a change, and I was happy to give it a go,” he said.
“I didn’t go into it thinking I’d have to give everything up, as I just wanted to do things in a way that felt realistic for me.
“I haven’t cut out the foods I love but I now have a good understanding of what foods are low in points or zero-point foods, and that helps me stay on track without overthinking it.
“WW has helped me lose weight gradually, and I have now lost over three stone, and weigh 14 stone 7 lbs, I’ve dropped from a size 40 to a size 34-inch waist, and my BMI has come down to 32.8. I’ve even reversed my diabetes, and I’m now classed as pre-diabetic, which is something I’m really proud of.”
Living with diabetes can feel restrictive and impacts your emotional and physical wellbeing.
This Diabetes Week 2025 (9-15 June), NHSGGC is drawing attention to stories like Robert’s, which help to show the various supports on offer to help people manage their condition.
The NHSGGC Community Weight Management service is specially designed to help people with existing health conditions, like Type 2 diabetes, that could be improved by losing weight, while our Type 2 Diabetes Hub is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for T2D support.
Taking control of his diet and finding a way to still enjoy the foods he likes has been key to Robert’s incredible progress, which has been steady and sustainable through expert advice, behaviour change and coaching support.
He added: “I want to say a big thank you to NHSGGC. Thank you to my GP for referring me, and to my WW coach Sharon, for helping me stick with it. I’ve proved to myself that it’s possible to make big changes without giving up the life you enjoy.
“At 60 years old, I feel better than I have in a long time, and I’m not done yet…so watch this space!”
If you have Type 2 diabetes and you’re overweight, you can self-refer to the NHSGCC Weight Management service by clicking the “Self Referral” tab on our Community Weight Management page.
For information on Type 2 Diabetes, visit our dedicated T2D Hub.
