Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Perth: Michelle's Weight Loss Journey

When Michelle first came to our clinic, she felt hopeless and stuck. Sixteen months later, she is 66kg lighter, full of energy, and free from diabetes medication. Discover her journey.

When Michelle Black first walked into my clinic at WA Health Group, she was carrying more than just extra weight; she was carrying deep fatigue, frustration, and a quiet sense of hopelessness.

She weighed 153.6 kg, had a waist circumference of 144.5 cm, and was managing type 2 diabetes with metformin. But what she said to me that day had nothing to do with her diagnosis.

“I just want to be able to run around with my grandkids.”

That sentence stayed with me. She wasn’t here for a diet. She was here to get her life back.

Starting with the basics

She told me she was skipping meals, thinking it would help her lose weight. But this was working against her. Her metabolism had slowed, and hunger led to overeating later in the day. She felt disconnected from her body and from herself.

I knew right away that she didn’t need a meal plan. She needed structure, confidence, and someone to walk alongside her without judgment.

So we started small.

The small steps that made the biggest difference

We built her routine step by step:

• We introduced regular meals to gently wake up her metabolism.
• We reduced portion sizes, without asking her to give up the foods she enjoyed.
• She started walking daily, just 20 minutes with her dog, and she stuck with it.
• We swapped in low-GI foods to keep her blood sugar stable and help her feel fuller, longer.
• I taught her how to read food labels, so she could take control of her choices.
• Later, when she joined a gym, we adjusted her meals to support her energy and recovery.

I never pushed for perfection. What mattered was that she felt heard, supported, and empowered to try.

The Moment Everything Changed

Sixteen months later, the numbers told part of the story:

✅ She lost 66.3 kg
✅ She reduced her waist by 55.5 cm
✅ She came off her diabetes medication

But what mattered most?

She told me she was running after her grandkids and not just keeping up, but laughing.

Her energy came back. Her spark returned. She felt like herself again.

Why I Do What I Do?

This journey reminded me that nutrition is never just about food; it’s about freedom. Freedom to move, to play, to feel proud in your own skin.

At WA Health Group, I work with people just like her every day. People who are tired of diets, tired of feeling stuck, and ready for real, lasting change.

If You’re Ready to Start, I’m Here to Help

If you’re living with diabetes, feeling overwhelmed by weight, or just don’t know where to begin, I see you. I’ve walked this journey with others, and I’d be honoured to walk it with you too.

Let’s take the first step together.