Susan Edwards, 60, had been heading towards a serious health crisis when a hospital visit revealed she had dangerously high cholesterol levels. A veterinary nurse by profession, Susan’s life had been physically demanding, leaving her with injuries such as a spinal fracture. This, combined with a challenging few years, led her to neglect her health. However, Susan knew she had to take action before it was too late.
“I wasn’t taking care of myself properly,” Susan shared. “After the hospital admission, I realised I needed to make a change.”
Inspired by Dr Tim Spector, a well-known British epidemiologist, Susan decided to join ZOE, a personalised nutrition programme designed to guide individuals on what foods are best suited for their unique biology. The programme offers insights into a person’s blood fat and sugar levels, gut microbiome, and overall dietary health, allowing members to make informed decisions about their diet.
A Transformational Journey
After hearing Dr Spector’s TED Talk about the Predict Study, Susan knew ZOE was the right path for her. She registered her interest, and soon became one of the first people to enrol in the programme. The at-home tests were simple to follow and provided crucial information about her body’s responses to different foods.
One aspect of the programme that fascinated Susan was how her body handled various foods. This gave her the power to make smarter choices about what she ate. “I wish I’d used the glucose monitor more to compare foods like apples and apple juice,” she reflected.
A Healthier Lifestyle
Once Susan made adjustments to her diet, the impact was remarkable. Her favourite change? Swapping her previous breakfasts for a healthy homemade granola with full-fat yoghurt and berries. This small but significant switch helped her avoid snacking, which was key in her weight loss journey.
Since embarking on her new nutritional regime in January 2023, Susan lost an impressive 2.8 stone (18kg). “My energy levels have soared, and I’m sleeping so much better,” Susan revealed. She also noticed improved mental clarity and was delighted by the compliments she was receiving on her new, healthier appearance. “I feel fantastic, and it’s wonderful to hear people tell me I look great,” she beamed.
Susan Edwards Cholesterol Success
While losing weight was a major accomplishment for Susan, the speed at which her cholesterol levels improved was equally impressive. Within just eight weeks of starting the ZOE programme, her cholesterol levels dropped to a safe range, as defined by NHS standards.
“I’ve recently had my gut microbiome retested, and the results were excellent,” Susan added proudly.
Susan’s story is a powerful example of how a tailored nutrition plan can transform not only weight but also overall health. By learning how her body processes different foods, she was able to take control of her wellbeing and achieve results beyond her expectations.