As a child, I’d tuck into delicious traditional Cypriot meals like fried meatballs and beans with olive oil and bread – all served with generosity and love. Then, one day, the joy of sharing food with the people I loved was dimmed. When I was 10 years old, my mum opened a letter from the school nurse that said I was overweight and I’d have to restrict my diet.
With no other information or guidance, that letter did more harm than good. I had to give up my favourite sweet treats, and the desserts I used to enjoy at our family get-togethers.
Looking back now, I can see that I was a healthy, normal schoolgirl – just a little short for my age, and still developing.
My weight crept up at secondary school and the bullying began. There was one particularly horrible incident when someone threw water over my school shirt so it clung to me and you could see my curves underneath. At break times I used to hide in the library, where I felt safe and didn’t have to listen to people saying cruel things.
Later in life, I met my husband, Paul, who loved me unconditionally. We settled into a busy routine looking after our two young children, Christopher and Anna-Maria. When they napped, I’d grab a chocolate bar rather than making myself a proper meal. In the evenings, I'd cook something quick and easy, like spaghetti bolognese made with sauce from a jar.
When Anna-Maria started at primary school, I got a new job as a play practitioner, helping toddlers stay active through play. The job was physically demanding, and I’d struggle with loading and unloading all the equipment.
In 2022, I went for a routine check-up at the doctor’s. I can vividly remember feeling scared to death when my GP said: ‘Marianna, your weight puts you in the obese range, meaning you’re at an increased risk of having a heart attack and developing type 2 diabetes.’
Not long after that, there was a superhero day at work, when all the staff dressed up in capes and special T-shirts. It turned out to be anything but super. My cape was too tight around my neck and I had to keep pulling at it to breathe. A photo I saw after the event changed everything – I couldn’t believe it was my job to help children to be healthy when I felt so uncomfortable in my own skin.
I’d tried Slimming World in the past, but hadn’t really engaged with it – and once I’d stopped going, the weight went straight back on. My motivation was running much deeper now, though, and I knew it was time to give it another try. I did a Google search and found Michelle’s group. As soon as I heard how friendly and upbeat she was on the phone, I knew everything was going to be alright.
Initially, I was quiet in group – but Michelle gently eased me out of my shell, and I felt so welcomed. During IMAGE Therapy, she helped me unpick the psychological side of my food choices. I realised I was an emotional eater – if I was upset, I’d eat crisps, ice cream, pasties or sausage rolls (all the high-fat, high-sugar foods I wasn’t allowed as a child). It was a breakthrough. Michelle explained that thanks to Syns, no foods are forbidden at Slimming World – and I developed a new, empowering sense of being in control.
As my confidence began to grow, so did my interest in activity. I started by just walking around the block for 10 minutes... 10 minutes would pass – then another 10. I discovered all sorts of lovely sights I’d never even realised were on our doorstep! After that, there was no stopping me. I got up a little earlier each morning to squeeze in an online workout, and by the time I’d lost 3st (19kg), I was going to the gym at work up to three times a week.
The dynamic had shifted at home, too. I felt so much happier, as if a ray of sunshine was lighting up the house.
When I went back to the doctor’s for a check-up, my GP was thrilled with my progress – my heart was healthy, and there was no sign of diabetes or high cholesterol. I was so relieved that my health wasn’t at risk any more.
Two days after my 43rd birthday, I reached my target weight. And with that, I found the joyful Marianna who’d been buried inside for so long. Nowadays, things are much different – I feel happy, healthy and full of energy!
Marianna’s day on a plate
Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | White toast with hazelnut spread and peanut butter, or at the weekend, a bacon and egg fry-up cooked in oil. | Overnight oats with yogurt, berries and cinnamon, an omelette, or at the weekend, a Slimming World cooked breakfast. |
Lunch | Sandwiches made with white bread, butter and mayonnaise, plus crisps on the side, or a supermarket meal deal. | Pitta filled with chicken, salad and homemade tzatziki dressing. At the weekend, pitta ‘pizzas’ topped with tomato purée, olives, chicken, sweetcorn, peppers, onions and oregano. |
Dinner | Deep-fried meatballs or a roast cooked with oil, plus a weekly Indian takeaway. | Prawn stir-fry or a Food Optimising Greek meze. |
Heart disease is one of the most common health problems in the UK, with around 1.4 million people having survived a heart attack. While weight can be a major contributing factor in heart and circulatory conditions, there are many more things you can do to cut your risk.
Read next: Slimming World nutritionist Alexandra Clark shares five things we can do to maintain a healthy heart
Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.