Retired teacher Daphne Meikle shows off how many inches she has lost in dress sizes. She started out at size 18 and is now down to size 14. - Barbara Ellington/ Lifestyle Editor

This is the second of the two-part feature we started last week on one of the current weight-loss programmes and the positive effects it has been having on people in the United States and Jamaica. The arrival of the ViSalus product in Jamaica signalled a means to wealth and many persons took advantage of the latest network marketing opportunity.

But with the downturn in the economies of the world, many persons have turned the focus on the weight management aspect of the programme. Retired Clarendon-based teacher Daphne Meikle has taken this route. She has lost so much weight in such a short time (15 pounds so far), she is only keeping track of the decrease in her dress size. "I was a size 18 going close to 20 in July and now I am down to size 16, and it could be less because 16 is feeling loose on me," she said, placing a finger inside the waistband of her skirt to show how loosely it's now fitting her.

The biggest advantage for Meikle is that the shake tastes good and it is so filling she does not have to eat much. Unlike Jerry D, who was featured last week, she does not feel very hungry during the days. The other positive result for her is the lowering of her blood pressure, so she wants to ultimately lose 25 pounds.

"I used to have a severe breathing problem and since going on the programme, my breathing problem is not as severe, my skin has a healthier glow that all my friends have noticed but best of all, I no longer snore," she said.

Her daily routine starts with a shake at 7:30, another at noon, dinner at 6 p.m. and she usually consumes very light fare such as porridge, toast and juices.

Lorraine Mayne's story

Lorraine Mayne has a hectic schedule so she uses the programme to help maintain her already trim frame. - Barbara Ellington/ Lifestyle Editor

Lorraine Mayne had suffered from chronic sinusitis over the years, so badly that she lived on Claritin. The busy flight attendant told Flair she had a constant cough and sniffles and, on top of that, her eating habits were bad because of her work schedule.

Energised

"Just three days after I started taking the ViPak tablets I noticed that I had no more sniffles nor coughing and I felt energised. I also used the shake as a meal substitute because it's so easy to take with me, it's a meal on the go and, after a year on the programme, I am Claritin free!" She said she thinks the ViSalus range is a wonder product and she does not plan to stop using it. As an avid promoter of the programme, her other big benefit is her spanking new BMW.

The ViSalus programme lets the real you show through. It helps you cope with the dieter's three main challenges so that you can:

1. Eat right and cut calories.

2. Boost a tired metabolism and help with energy

3. Help to calm hunger and the stress of dieting.

Note: You should not take this product if you are pregnant or lactating, or using blood thinning medication. Please consult your physician prior to use.

For more information about the programme, contact: yvonnemyrie@yahoo.com or call 579-4427.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com