We last caught up with Jabeen in 2021 when she was awarded our February Client of the Month award. Since then, the clinical pharmacist from Normanton has walked and jogged thousands of miles to shed a further one and half stone (almost five stone in total) to become a healthy weight for her height. She’s also helping to introduce other Asian women to the joy of exercise and running.
- Lost 4 stone 10lbs – a third of her body weight
- Reduced her Body Mass Index from 36.3 to 24
With both parents suffering with diabetes, Jabeen joined Livewell just before the pandemic to lower her risks of developing the same condition.
Thanks to Livewell and the support of local running group, Derby Joggers, Jabeen revolutionised her eating habits, discovering a new love of running along the way…..
“I started running during lockdown having never done it before. With support from Derby Joggers, I gradually built up my distances and started eating sensible portions and avoiding fatty and sugary snacks. My family are proud of me and my healthier eating is having a positive impact on their diet too.”
In 2021, Jabeen set and completed a number of challenges for herself including:
- Walking/jogging the distance from Lands’ End to John O’Groats and back again (1728 miles) in and around Derbyshire in 9 months to complete a virtual challenge
- Derby 10k race in October
- Derby 10-mile race in November
- A virtual half marathon in December
Despite not imagining herself as a runner until last year, Jabeen is proud to support a women’s running club called Normanton Ladies Jogging Group which was set up in Summer 2021 to offer a safe and encouraging space for Asian women to get started in the sport.
“South Asian women are not represented in running, it’s rare to see Muslim women in particular at races or jogging around the streets.” Jabeen explains. “We’re challenging the gender norms around Pakistani and other South Asian women exercising, offering a safe and motivating space for women of all walks of life to start jogging together. Some of us wear hijab head coverings and we’re all different shapes and sizes but we all have a giggle and support each other. We’re breaking down barriers by showing the local community that running can be done modestly.”
The group, led by Rachael Smith will be starting a new Couch to 5k course in May at Normanton Park. Ladies who are interested can book a place via the Run Together website or contacting Rachael directly on 07828 467567.
Jabeen is currently training for the Fradley 10k in March and has her sights set on other races too. With studies showing that South Asian people are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI, Jabeen is delighted that her healthy habits are reducing her chances.
“I can’t imagine my world without exercise and I’m fitter and healthier than I’ve ever been.”
Livewell’s free 12 month programme supports people in Derby to lose and manage their weight. To qualify, people need to have a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher (27.5 or higher for people of South Asian heritage). To find out more and apply go to the Lose Weight webpage.
Find out more about Derby Joggers and their Couch to 5k courses.
Jabeen before and after her weight loss
Jabeen with the Normanton Ladies Running Group
