An obese health expert who was ashamed of telling diabetic patients to lose weight has now conquered the condition himself thanks to a life-changing TV show \u2013 and been congratulated by his footballing hero.<\/p>\n
Top radiographer Kevin Jones, 53, who hails from Dinas Dinlle near Caernarfon and lives in Ruthin, weighed in at more than 20 stone when S4C\u2019s hit series FFIT Cymru began but by the end he lost 1st\u00a0 13Ibs and became a lot fitter in the process.<\/p>\n
Kevin, who regularly works at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and the Wrexham Maelor\u00a0 hospital achieved his goal of reversing his own diabetes after completely changing his lifestyle.<\/p>\n
The irony was that Kevin helped keep world class sportspeople including members of the British Olympic team in tip top condition while he was totally unfit himself.<\/p>\n
Among the highlights of the series for the father-of-three who supports Everton Football Club was receiving a video message of congratulation from Toffees hero Duncan Ferguson.<\/p>\n
The format of the series had to be completely changed as a result of the lockdown caused by the coronavirus crisis.<\/p>\n
The show focused on improving the physical health and mental well-being of five leaders, including former chocoholic Kevin, who is now down to a relatively svelte 18st 7Ibs.<\/p>\n
While Kevin\u2019s character remains larger than life, he has vowed to continue with his new healthy lifestyle and lose even more weight.<\/p>\n
Viewers were engrossed watching Kevin and the others tackle their demons throughout the third series made by\u00a0 Caernarfon-based independent TV company Cwmni Da.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt really has been life-changing. I was committed at the start seven weeks ago but I didn\u2019t realise how much my life and that of my family would change. I took a holistic approach so it wasn\u2019t just about food or cooking it was about exercise and mental health too.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut following the food plan provided by series dietician Sioned Quirke made me aware of what the sugar content of every ingredient was.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe amazing news is that after seven weeks I\u2019m no longer taking the diabetic drug metformin and that for me is huge, it\u2019s a massive deal. My blood sugar is now in normal ranges and has been for several weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy lung function has improved and is now equivalent to a fit 43 year old, my blood pressure is now normal too whereas it was bordering hypertension a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you can\u2019t forget the mental health benefits either. I used to hate the thought of walking but now Pam, my wife and I walk everyday with the family. I\u2019ve become aware of what\u2019s around me, the sights and sounds and it\u2019s really therapeutic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kevin, who works in hospitals around the country using lithotripsy, ultra-sound waves to break up kidney stones without the need for the patient to undergo surgery, says he and his family have taken the positives from the Covid-19 lockdown.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe have done things together as a family. My wife Pam engaged with the whole experience she has walked every mile with me and eaten the same food. Our shopping trolley has never been greener.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are just seven weeks into what is a lifelong journey thanks to FFIT Cymru. Being part of the show has been amazing. Everyone has played a part, from the three experts to the whole Cwmni Da team. There are people involved in the background that you never hear of but they all played a part.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy days of chocolate bars and junk food are behind me and when I finally get back to work those long days will be easier as I won\u2019t be hauling around the same amount of weight. I\u2019m more alert and have much more energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI work with diabetic people often and I used to feel like a hypocrite because I had to tell them to lose weight while I am myself was a Type 2 diabetic. I won\u2019t be embarrassed in future and I can hold my head up high.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI can\u2019t thank the Cwmni Da and the FFIT Cymru team enough. Everyone has been incredible. This was the third series and whoever is chosen for the fourth series is in for a life changing experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeven weeks ago I\u2019d have laughed if anyone suggested I run 5K, now I\u2019m doing it in less than 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
Specialist weight management dietician, Sioned Quirke, who gave expert advice to the FFIT Cymru leaders on their diet plans says she can\u2019t wait to give Kevin and the other leaders a big hug \u2013 eventually once the Covid-19 crisis is finally over.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cI\u2019ve been involved in all three series of FFIT Cymru. I was apprehensive as to how the programme would work out this time and how the leaders would respond while we have been in lockdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut all of them have exceeded expectations. They have all been so upbeat and dedicated. They can be proud of themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cKevin has done incredibly well. I think one of his main concerns when I first met him was that as he worked in health care he should present as a role model and he wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Assistant producer Mali Parry Jones worked remotely with the leaders acting as a coordinator throughout the series.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cThis was the third series but because of the coronavirus pandemic we had, as a TV production company, to put our thinking caps on. We had to come up with a new format. We gave all five leaders an iPhone so they could film themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course they had their individual eating and exercise plans and we had weekly video conferences where they could speak to the experts and discuss issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had great feedback. Viewing figures have been amazing and there has been a massive social media response. I think the series has really struck a chord with viewers especially during the coronavirus lockdown.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKevin has done particularly well, he\u2019s an absolute star.\u201d<\/p>\n