Retired businessman, John, turns his life around thanks to free weight management support from NHSGGC and Slimming World.
A Greenock man has shown it’s never too late to change after transforming his life at 75.
John Morton had lived with type 2 diabetes and a range of other health complications before his referral to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Weight Management Service in May 2025.
He was unfit, feeling out of breath and hadn’t been able to buy a pair of jeans off the shelf in a shop for years due to his waist size.
However, one positive conversation with his Practice Nurse at Gourock Health Centre last year led to a referral to the Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service, then Slimming World, and the rest, as they say, is history.
John said: “Every part of my life has improved since losing weight and I never would have been able to do it if the nurse at Greenock Health Centre didn’t refer me.
“My breathing has improved, I have increased mobility and I’ve reversed my type 2 diabetes. It’s also motivated me to make other changes to my lifestyle. I can now exercise, walk more and my increased energy means I’m able to enjoy life.
“At the time of referral, I was 20st 11lb. I was taking up to 10 different types of prescription medication and was depressed with my health. Fast-forward a year and I’ve lost over 7st, I have the same waist size I had when I left school aged 18, and I can finally buy a pair of jeans that fit me straight off the shelf.
“I turned 75 in June, but I honestly feel 20 years younger.”
The Weight Management Service supports individuals who are overweight or have diabetes (T1 and T2), heart disease or have had a stroke. Weight loss can improve all these conditions, and you can discuss a referral with your GP or health professional, while self-referral is also possible.
The Service triaged John to Community Weight Management, which provides access to a free 12-week membership with either Slimming World or Weight Watchers.
John’s journey was with Slimming World, and he consistently met his weight-loss targets, entitling him to repeated blocks of 12-week group access for free for a year.
John added: “When I joined Slimming World, I was sceptical and a bit unsure of what it’d be like, but I met other folk like me and have made good pals with a guy in a similar situation.
“I never felt like I was on a diet either. Slimming World’s healthy eating plan just changed my understanding of food, and my wife Anna’s cooking has been a great help to keep me on track.
“I’d say to anyone – especially men – don’t be embarrassed about talking to your doctor or nurse about your weight. You can get into a rut, and you can overthink it, but honestly, just go and speak to them. If you really want to do it, it’ll work out.”
Linda Morris, Programme Manager for Healthy Weight at NHSGGC said: “John’s story is proof of what’s possible with an effective, sustainable weight loss journey through practical lifestyle changes. He’s also shown how small changes can make a big difference and we’re here to help anyone who’s worried about their weight and needs support to take the first step on the journey.”
Slimming World Consultant in Gourock and Greenock, Lorraine McCallum, said: “John’s transformation has been incredible to witness. We know that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent and alleviate lots of health conditions and John is living proof of this. With each passing week, he made small changes which have had huge benefits to his health and his life. I couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come.”
Visit www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/manage-your-weight/ to find out more about NHSGGC’s Weight Management Service or speak to your health professional.
