Deciding to start a weight loss journey is a big step. What led you to join a Slimming World group? 

At 14st 7lbs, I was desperate to lose weight, but it was about more than a number on a scale. I wanted to actually love myself again. I felt so self-conscious about how I looked, and I wanted to be able to walk into a shop and pick up things I liked without worrying about whether they’d fit or ending up feeling frustrated and upset in the changing room.  

My confidence was at rock bottom. I hated having my photo taken, and looking back at old photographs, you can see how uncomfortable I was. Now, I feel so much better about the way I look and I’m happy to be in front of the camera. 

I wanted to become healthier, too – inside and out – and one of my goals was to start exercising regularly for my physical and mental wellbeing.  

Getting more active can feel challenging for many of our members. Can you tell us more about how you got started? 

Getting started is definitely the hardest part. Slimming World has its own activity support programme, which really helped. It’s all about increasing your activity one step at a time, at your own pace, as well as doing things you actually enjoy, so that exercise doesn’t feel like a chore.  

I started off slowly, with short evening strolls and cleaning my car by hand every two weeks. I was encouraged to build on this, and when I felt ready, I decided to take the leap and go to a Body Combat gym class. For the first few weeks, I hid at the back so that no one could see me. Despite being nervous, though, I absolutely fell in love with the class, and that made it so much easier to turn it into a weekly habit.

Read more about how Slimming World will help you become more active

What would you say to someone who’​s thinking about joining a Slimming World group? 

For me, the support you find in group makes such a difference – both while you’re losing weight and then when you’re at your target weight and want to stay there. Understanding yourself as a slimmer, and learning more about the science and psychology behind weight loss, really helps – it all just clicks into place. And being at group is also a really enjoyable way to spend an hour of your week – great friendships are formed and there’s so much laughter. It’s amazing!

What are the high points of your weight loss journey? 

On my first night at Body Combat, I saw this woman at the front. She was in fantastic shape, exuded confidence and performed all the moves brilliantly. I wanted to be like her! Eventually, as I lost weight and got fitter, I stopped hiding and took a space next to her. We became friends, and it felt amazing to be doing what I set out to achieve.  

And the story doesn’t end there! I was walking out of the class one day when a new lady I’d noticed at the back of the room stopped me and told me that she aspired to be as good at Body Combat as I was. How the tables had turned! It’s a moment I’ll never forget. 

And has there been a challenging time that you’d like to share? 

I’d been a Slimming World member for a year when my sister became very ill and my life suddenly turned upside down. Of course, losing weight was the last thing on my mind. I still attended group, though, as it was my ‘me time’ every week.  

I also knew that I needed to stay healthy, so maintaining my weight loss was important. The support from my Consultant and fellow members helped me through a very emotional and stressful time, until I was able to get my head back into losing weight again. Without that, I could have easily given in and put weight on, ending up back where I’d started. 

Now you’re a Slimming World Consultant, running your own group and helping others to lose weight! Tell us a bit more about that... 

Yes! It had never entered my mind to become a Consultant. I’d felt so low in confidence and self-esteem for such a long time that it was hard to believe I was good enough. As always, it was my Consultant who believed in me and suggested that I’d be right for the role. So, feeling very anxious, off I went to an opportunity event at Slimming World – and within half an hour, I just knew that it was for me.    

Taking that leap and running my own group has brought so many benefits. I was able to give up a job that I didn’t like, and now I have more flexibility and a much better work-life balance. 

My favourite thing about being a Consultant is watching my members transform into happy, confident and outgoing versions of themselves. Seeing them support each other is brilliant, too. From the moment you join Slimming World, you’re never on your own – you’re surrounded by people who just get it!  

Could you be a Slimming World Consultant? Find out more about the role here 

So... what’s next? 

Well, I'm looking forward to a holiday in Florida this year. My income and flexible hours mean that I can truly enjoy this trip with no worries. I can’t wait to start shopping for holiday outfits, now that I can go into any shop and pick up whatever I like. Before I lost weight, I’d have struggled with walking around all day in the heat, too. This time I’ll be making the most of every minute! 

Next year I’d love to start a family, and knowing that I can fit my Consultant role around that has given me so much peace of mind. I’m much healthier and happier now, so I feel ready to be a mum. There’s so much to look forward to, and I’m excited for the future! 

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