I knew my weight was a problem – I’d always been bigger than my friends, but it wasn’t until I went to college and started socialising more that it began to climb. In 2018, my marriage broke down and I had a massive crisis of confidence. I tried to lose weight on my own and would make some progress, but it wouldn’t be long before it went back on again. I’d been a Slimming World member before, so I knew the plan worked for me – I just needed to make that mental shift to stick at it this time.
I know how it feels to be completely desperate – I even considered drastic weight loss measures like surgery and weight loss drugs. I’d have given anything to be 13st (83kg) lighter, but it felt so out of reach. Now, I understand there’s no quick fix to lose weight. For me, the healthy habits I’ve learnt along the way have been invaluable.
A check-up at the GP was my final straw. I weighed almost 23st (146kg) and could see the words ‘morbidly obese’ on the doctor’s screen. I was scared for my health, and felt like I was a heart attack waiting to happen.
I was a bit jittery about starting all over again. My Consultant, Neil, was great, though. He welcomed me with open arms and there was no judgement – just support and encouragement. When I weighed in, I realised I was the heaviest I’d ever been. The woman at the scales said to me, ‘Don’t worry, that’s the last time you’ll see that number’. It was just the boost I needed – and you know what, she was right!
I got stuck into Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, straight away. Nowadays I cook meals from scratch and I’m so much more organised – I’m never tempted by unhealthy options when I’m on the go. I don’t feel like I’m on a diet and I’m never hungry because I’m eating normal, everyday foods.
My partner, Dave, has also been so supportive. It works easily for us as a family, and I love that we can all enjoy the same meals. We’re big foodies in our house and my daughter Rosie will often send me TikToks of recipes she wants to try. We go through the ingredients and see what we need to swap out to make it Slimming World-friendly. We never feel like we’re missing out because we’re always trying new things. Hunter’s chicken lasagne is our current favourite!
More for members: Hunter's chicken lasagne recipe
‘I can’t imagine my life without dancing!’
As I began to lose weight, I was able to add more movement into my daily routine with the help of Slimming World’s physical activity support programme, Body Magic. At my heaviest, exercise was a total no-go for me. When I’d lost 6st (38kg), I plucked up the courage to join a dance fitness class. I fell in love with it, and ended up completing a diploma in Exercise to Music. Now, I run my own classes twice a week! It’s great when other Slimming World members come along, as we have so much fun. I also joined a local Couch to 5K group and recently signed up for a marathon. I feel confident about keeping up these healthy habits this time.
Cooking and eating the Slimming World way has become second nature to me – it’s effortless. Each bit of weight I’ve lost has helped me to become the confident, fit and strong woman I am today, and I’m so proud of myself. I’m so glad I didn’t go down the bariatric surgery route.
Being named Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2024 was the cherry on top of an already amazing year, as I’d also become a nanny to my baby grandson, Taran! When my daughter Claudia told me that she was pregnant, I was over the moon. When I was raising my daughters, there were certain things I missed out on because of my size – I was often the mum on the sidelines holding the bags and not getting involved. Looking back, that makes me feel so sad. Being Taran’s nanny feels like a second chance for me – I’ll be fit, active and healthy enough to keep up with him and enjoy those early years.
Ultimately, I started this journey because I wanted to live life to the fullest, and that’s what I can do now. I’m not a heart attack waiting to happen any more – I’m the woman I always wanted to be.
Ali’s day on a plate
Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | White toast or cereal with butter. | Cereal with fruit and fat-free natural yogurt. |
Lunch | Shop-bought baguette with crisps and chocolate. | Usually leftovers, such as cottage pie and veg from the evening before. |
Dinner | Pie, mash and gravy. | Homemade hunter’s chicken lasagne or cheesy courgette baked risotto. |
Snacks | Biscuits in the evening. | Slimming World Hi-fi bars, a glass of red wine. |
Carolyn Pallister, registered dietitian and head of nutrition, research and health at Slimming World, adds: ‘Ali is truly inspiring, and has demonstrated what can be achieved without resorting to weight loss drugs or surgery. She’s lost weight by making behaviour changes that have not only helped her lose 13st (83kg), but also equipped her with the lifelong healthy habits to maintain it for good.’
Believe in a Slimming World Christmas
Count down to Christmas with delicious food and drink – and still get the weight loss you want!
Come along to group or join our digital service and find everything you need to slim through the season.
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.