I’d been bigger than other people my age for as long as I could remember. It made me feel very self-conscious, and I started comfort eating as a result. It became a vicious cycle that only got worse as I got older. 

I’d tried to slim in the past, and had even lost weight with Slimming World before. I wasn’t in the right mindset at that point, though, and didn’t stick to the plan long enough to keep the weight off. 

Then, in 2019, I was diagnosed with a neurological condition called intracranial hypertension (IH), which I was told was linked to my weight. That was the wake-up call I needed. I knew I had to make a change now if I wanted to live to see my grandkids grow up.

I joined my local Slimming World group in Norwich. In the beginning, I was nervous about staying for the group session, because I felt embarrassed about being the biggest person in the room – but I had no reason to be worried. 

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The support from my Consultant, Rebecca Jones, and the other members, gave me a better understanding of the plan and how important it was to fuel my body with food that made me feel good. 

The advice and tools I got each week enabled me to think more deeply about my relationship with food and helped me incorporate healthy new habits. 

I was an emotional eater, and I knew that would be my biggest hurdle to overcome. Now, I don’t have to think twice about what I’m eating, as it’s just a part of my lifestyle. There’s so much flexibility that if I crave a sweet snack, I can have something that’s not going to send me off track, so I never feel deprived. 

I don’t rely on takeaways any more, either, and enjoy making healthier versions from scratch. I’m always trying new recipes from Slimming World Magazine and tend to batch-cook my favourite meals, like diet cola chicken. 

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Knowing I had such a long way to go to reach my target weight seemed overwhelming at first. To tackle that, Rebecca encouraged me to break it down into smaller, more achievable goals, and it helped. 

With each milestone I hit, my ultimate goal felt more and more possible. And hearing about other members’ achievements in group made me feel like I could do it, too. 

Before I lost weight, my mobility was very limited. I didn’t do any exercise and I found walking short distances very difficult. As the pounds came off, I felt ready to get more active, and that’s when I started following Body Magic, Slimming World’s physical activity support programme. 

I loved that I could go at my own pace and do activities that suited my lifestyle. 

My mobility has improved tenfold and, as a result so has my mental and physical health. I walk a lot more now and use an exercise bike at home. I’ve also joined a gym and enjoy going to the fitness classes there – something I'd never have had the confidence to do before. 

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Since I joined Slimming World, my life has changed beyond all recognition. I’ve put my IH into remission and I’m looking forward to making special memories with my family.  

Now I can do all the things with my granddaughters, Charlotte and Grace, that I missed out on with my own children – like swimming. For the first time ever, I had the confidence to play in the pool with them on holiday, a lovely memory that I truly cherish. 

I really enjoy shopping for clothes these days, and being more adventurous with fashion. My choices used to be very limited, and I could only buy from specialist stores, which were really expensive. Now I love being able to walk into any shop without worrying about whether anything will fit me. 

I could never have pictured myself 16st lighter five years ago, let alone being named Slimming World’s Greatest Loser! Walking through those doors has been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. I finally feel like I’m really living life. I couldn’t be happier. 

Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.