My weight problems began as a child. At school, I weighed the same as my age; at 12 I was 12st, at 13 I was 13st, and so on. As I got older, I gained more weight with each of my three pregnancies, too.
I tried following meal-replacement plans and low-carb diets, but I’d always regain any weight I lost when I went back to my normal eating habits. By my 30s, I thought I was destined to be overweight forever.
The trigger point
I was diagnosed with gallstones and the doctors said they’d be unable to operate on me until I'd lost weight. That, coupled with an unflattering photo of me that was taken on a family holiday, was the final straw.
Growing up, Azra loved playing princesses. And her slimming journey had a fairy-tale ending when she won Consultant Slimmer of the Year!
Azra had struggled with her weight since childhood and gained a little more with each pregnancy
I saw a banner for my local Slimming World group and decided to join. I kept the decision a secret from my family and friends, though, telling them I was going to a Zumba class instead. I suppose I thought that joining a slimming club wasn’t necessarily seen as part of our Asian culture.
I didn’t think Slimming World would fit in with my life and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to eat Asian food – but it fits perfectly!
The basic concept of the plan is making healthy meals from scratch, and that’s the Asian way – finding fresh ingredients and spices and putting them all together to make beautiful food.
Once I told my husband and my children the truth, they were very supportive, and now we all eat Food Optimised versions of our favourite meals – my husband’s lost 5st, too.
In total, I’ve lost 4st 3lbs, dropping from a size 20 to a 10. Then I decided to train to become a Slimming World Consultant.
Dropping five dress sizes has supercharged Azra’s confidence
Being told by her doctors that she weighed too much to have surgery was the final straw for Azra
Everyone’s welcome
Being overweight is something that many people deal with; it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your background is. That’s the thing at Slimming World – everyone there is in the same boat and everyone will get a warm welcome, whether they’re male or female, 17 or 70 ...
Losing weight has changed my life. Before, I would sit back and watch my kids play; now, I’m an active, hands-on mum.
I’ve learned to believe in myself, too. Being named Consultant Slimmer of the Year 2016 was absolutely amazing – and especially to be the first Asian woman to win that award.
When I was younger, I loved playing princesses but could never dress up in the pretty dresses like my friends because they didn’t fit me. Now, I feel like I’m Cinderella and Slimming World is my glass slipper – it just fits.
*Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.