My name is Jacinta Wakahora. I was referred to a Consultant Nutritionist as a prerequisite for the renewal of my health insurance cover. I only sought nutrition consultation after receiving insurance renewal notice for my family and discovered my name was excluded due to excessive weight gain. This situation left me feeling quite distressed, as I had always believed that my weight issues were hereditary, making weight loss a significant challenge.

I booked an appointment to meet Kepha Nyanumba, Consultant Nutritionist and during the consultation, I expressed my frustration with insurance for what I felt was unfair treatment due to my weight, which I had accepted as a family trait. Mr. Nyanumba’ s calm and professional demeanor helped ease my distress. He listened patiently to my concerns and, when I finished, he explained the necessary steps I should take regarding my dietary habits and the importance of regular exercise. He encouraged me to adopt his recommendations and return for a follow-up appointment after a week. I must admit that the only reason I adhered to his advice was that it did not involve strict dieting.

 

Past Frustrations

Before accepting my weight, I had tried dieting, but with disappointing results. I had also joined a gym, but after discontinuing, I regained all the lost weight, plus more. Frustrated, I vowed never to diet or spend money on gym memberships again. The frustration was further amplified when shopping for clothes, as I could only wear what would fit me, not necessarily what I liked. Financially, I could afford better clothes, but my choice was limited because of my weight.

The Turning Point

One week later, on Sunday, June 13, 2010, after church, I attended my follow-up appointment. To my amazement, I had lost 4 kilograms. This progress brought immense joy, especially to my youngest daughter, Hope Njoki Wakahora, who was 9 years old at the time. It became clear that my weight had been affecting her as well. Mr. Nyanumba was right; I needed to make fundamental changes to my eating habits and commit to regular exercise. I felt like I had been reborn, and my attitude shifted dramatically. I accepted that I needed help and felt a strong resolve to follow the path set before me. My husband and daughter provided unwavering support, and I realized that my previous lifestyle may have caused them concern. Together, we embraced a healthier lifestyle, and I committed to seeing the nutritionist every two weeks.

 

 

 

The Progress

Within a few months, the results became evident. My clothes were noticeably larger, and I felt incredible. Friends began to notice and asked questions, prompting me to repeatedly share my journey. When my daughters returned from school, they were greeted by a “new me.” Their joy was palpable, with one of them expressing relief, thanking God that she no longer feared inheriting the “dangerous fat genes.” This daughter had been silently praying she had not inherited my weight issues. I introduced my sister, Irene Wangui Ndirangu to Kepha Nyanumba’s weight loss program, and within five months, she lost 13.5 kilograms and had her own success story to share.

What I have Learnt

From my experience, successfully losing weight requires:

• A change in mindset. It all begins with acceptance and the recognition that you need assistance.
• Respecting professional nutritionists and following their guidance.
• Commitment to the lifestyle modification process and patience as you wait for the results.

The New Me and Evidence

After eight months, I have lost 25 kilograms, reducing my weight from 108 kg to 83 kg. My waist circumference has decreased by 20.1 cm, from 112 cm to 91.5 cm. I have also reduced my body fat and improved my BMI, which was initially alarming. Refer to the attached photos to showcase my progress.

Appreciation

I would like to extend my special thanks to Kepha Nyanumba for his invaluable advice, support, and encouragement. Above all, I thank my family for their unwavering love, patience, and support throughout this journey. I am committed to maintaining the healthy lifestyle I have adopted and will continue striving towards my target weight. Though there is still progress to be made, I am confident that I will achieve my goals.

Sincerely,
Jacinta
3rd February 2011