I was barely living before joining Slimming World. I was too scared to leave the house, and when I did, it was usually for one of my many visits to the hospital. I’d reached the point where my health problems were overwhelming. At 34st 7lbs, the extra weight I was carrying caused so much pain in my joints that I could barely walk down the road. On top of that, I suffered from severe back pain, my asthma was out of control and I was constantly battling chest infections.
A medical emergency
My health issues came to a head when I was at the supermarket with my daughter, Hope, and I collapsed. She was just six at the time. I was rushed to hospital, where the doctors told me I was on the verge of having a heart attack. I was initially put on a ‘do not resuscitate’ order because they didn’t believe I’d be able to survive. That was the point when I started to think about saying my goodbyes, and I actually recorded a message for my family in case the worst happened. I spent three weeks in intensive care, and, by some miracle, I managed to pull through. That was the wake-up call I needed to make a change – for good this time.
A few weeks later, I rejoined Slimming World with a good friend of mine, Bev. I was worried I’d be judged for regaining the weight I’d previously lost, but I was welcomed back with open arms. My Consultant, Natalie, helped me look at the positives and reminded me that I’d done it once before so I could do it again. That’s stuck with me throughout my whole journey.
Finding a supportive community
Having so much weight to lose obviously felt quite daunting. Being able to chat with other members about their journeys gave me the boost I needed to stay hopeful, though, especially in those early weeks. I was so lonely before joining my group, so for the first time in a long time, I felt part of a community of people who understood me. It’s the best feeling knowing that everyone is genuinely rooting for you. We help keep each other accountable, which is something I know I’d struggle with on my own.
Looking back, I realised I used food as a source of comfort. I’d spend a minimum of £140 a week on takeaways, and when I stopped getting them, the shop owner actually contacted me to check I was OK! Now, I have a better relationship with food and make sure I’m filling up on healthier, more nutritious meals.
Supermarket saviours
As I’d been a member before, I already understood the Food Optimising plan. One of my big stoppers, though, was the walk to the shops – I had a real fear of something bad happening. So, I started doing online food shops and stocking up on meals from the Slimming World food range at Iceland. As I started losing weight and feeling more confident, I began walking to the shops to pick up the ingredients to make my own versions of some of my favourite food range meals (like chicken curry) from scratch. I always keep a bag of Slimming World chips in the freezer for those days when I need something quick to throw in with my dinner.
I rejoined Slimming World in April 2023 and I’ve now lost 22st, which is nearly two-thirds of my body weight! My health has improved dramatically. I’m able to move without being in crippling pain, and I’m no longer dependent on other people to help me. I also don’t have to think twice about simple tasks that once felt impossible, like doing the food shopping or tying my shoelaces. I used to fear going out in public, but nowadays, one of my favourite things to do is to enjoy a nice coffee from my local coffee shop – and being able to fit comfortably in the chairs is the best feeling!
I wanted to be healthier for my children, and now I can be the dad that they deserve. I’ve finally found that silver lining that people talked about – this is just the beginning for me!
We’re delighted to announce that Kenny is our Slimming World’s Greatest Loser 2025. He attends Natalie Meadow’s Slimming World group in Blackpool.
How would you like to change your life? At Slimming World, you’ll get all the support you need to see real results, while still enjoying the foods you love. Discover two great ways to join here.
Kenny’s day on a plate
Breakfast | Bacon and sausages in two white bread rolls. | Fresh fruit such as apple and mixed berries with fat-free Greek yogurt. |
Lunch | Takeaway, or snacks like chocolate and cake. | Jacket potato with beans and cheese or chilli. |
Dinner | Chinese takeaway, or two large pizzas. | Homemade chicken curry, or lasagne from the Slimming World food range with veg. |
Snacks | Chocolates, energy drinks, lemon meringue pie. | Triple Choc Hi-fi bars, fat-free crème fraiche with raspberries and mini meringues. |
Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.