LMBBS Laurence Moon Bardet Biedl Society

RNIB - Insight magazine

Health, fitness and fashion

Julie Sales is mum to Danielle, 16 and Hollie, 12. Both girls were diagnosed with LMBBS 10 years ago. Here Julie tells us about her eldest daughter’s determination to get fit when she was 15.

Q: How has Danielle coped with teenage life?
A: Things were difficult for Danielle when she was younger and had to be on a restricted diet, alongside behavioural issues and learning difficulties. She has coordination problems and chronic fatigue, which made exercise very difficult.

Q: Does she take part in sports?
A: Since Danielle has lost nearly 2 stone, she has become more interested and able to exercise. She walks regularly, attends a local gym, and likes swimming.

Q: How did you and your family help her when she was on a diet?
A: When Danielle made the decision herself to attend Slimming World, I went with her to the classes, and still go every week. As a family we have changed our diet to Slimming World to help encourage her to continue.

Q: Do you have any tips for families when a child wants to get fit and lose weight?
A: Once a young person makes that decision to lose weight themselves, you are half way there. From our point of view the best thing for Danielle was attending a slimming class. From the exercise point of view, try to make exercise fun for all the family. We go walking, and bike riding when possible. When Danielle wanted to go to the gym, we achieved this by being referred from our doctor to the local gym for a special programme of exercise just for her. Small steps at a time, and loads of encouragement!

My success at dieting by Danielle Sales

Before I started my dieting plan I did not feel very confident and felt that everyone would look and stare at me in the streets because of my size, this made me feel down and made me want to change myself for the better.

The difference it has made to me and to my life has been amazing, as it has made me more confident and I feel different about myself. I feel very proud of what I have done, but it has been hard work. Sometimes I get frustrated, but I will never give up. It has changed my life. I feel so much better in what I wear.

I found the advice and support, and the different suggestions from the Slimming World leader have helped me. I have been dieting for a year now and lost nearly two stone. There have been times I have wanted to give up, but with all the support and help I have had from family and friends it has made me stick it out and make myself succeed.

My dieting has made me feel different about my appearance; I feel I can look more healthy and feminine. I feel so much better about clothes. When I go shopping I can pick out more trendy and fashionable clothes, which makes me so much more confident in what I wear and the size that I am.