My weight had always been a problem right from when I was young. I went to a stage school, and before our annual showcases the head teacher would publicly single me out, telling me I needed to lose weight because there weren’t any costumes that fit me.
This shaped my thought patterns for life and left me with the constant sense that I didn’t fit in and was only ever noticed for the wrong reasons. I felt like I was always the biggest person in the room, so I tried to fade into the background.
My weight really got out of hand when I started having children (Micah, 25, Kyle, 22, and Nayla-Hope, 7). I’d joined Slimming World several times over the years and things always started off well, but if there was ever a week when the scales didn’t go my way, doubts would creep in – and I’d think, ‘If I can’t lose ½lb in a week, what chance have I got of losing half my body weight?’ I’d then disappear from group without a word and revert back to my old eating habits.
I always thought, in the back of my mind, that I’d be OK because I didn’t have any health issues. My mum, however, lived with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, a pacemaker and kidney failure. Despite her own health struggles, she worried about me just as much as I worried about her. She often encouraged me to lose weight – not out of criticism, but because she didn’t want me to face the same health problems she did. In 2022, I was at her bedside as she passed away after a lifetime of illnesses and medical complications.
Everything shifted during a routine GP appointment, when my blood pressure test results were higher than they should’ve been. That filled me with dread. My mind went straight to my mum and the way her health had gradually declined – I couldn’t help wondering if this was the beginning of something similar for me, and whether Nayla-Hope was destined to be my carer as I had been for my mum.
So, in December 2023, I decided to take control and change my life for good. I rejoined my Slimming World group and the first thing I told my Consultant, Lisa, was that this time, I was joining with a clear purpose and a completely different mindset.
Fresh start, new habits
I knew one thing: to succeed, I had to make healthy eating manageable. In the past, we relied on takeaways four nights a week, and as a single working mum, cooking from scratch every night felt impossible. The perfect solution was spending Sundays with Nayla-Hope batch-cooking and freezing meals for the week ahead.
Sunday roasts became a family favourite – including chicken, Slimming World roast potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower cheese from the Slimming World food range. Simple, tasty and something we could all enjoy together.
Embracing activity
I felt ready to increase my activity levels after losing a couple of stones. I gradually worked my way up to 7,000 steps a day, and a few weeks later I hit 10,000! My energy levels were soaring. Nayla-Hope wasn’t too impressed when I announced the car would be staying at home from now on and we’d be walking the half a mile to and from school! I even started doing the five-mile round trip to work on foot, too. I loved that quiet ‘me time’ (and the money saved on petrol).
As the pounds came off, my journey of self-discovery continued. Inspired by the insightful questions Lisa asked in group, I began journaling and using visualisation techniques. I pictured the slim, confident version of myself and made a plan to become her.
Group sessions, with the support from Lisa and my fellow members, made all the difference. When Lisa presented me with my 13st award, the applause from the group was deafening!
The future’s bright
Losing weight has changed my life. Nowadays, I can enjoy theme park rides without wondering if I’ll fit, travel abroad without worrying about the size of aeroplane seats and move through the world without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious.
I can take my daughter to trampoline parks and jump, laugh and play alongside her, which is something that once felt completely out of reach and is now a beautiful, everyday victory.
Most precious of all, Nayla-Hope can now wrap her arms all the way around me when we hug. I cried with joy and pride the first time she noticed and said it out loud. For years it’d felt impossible, so that moment meant more to me than any number on the scales. In that instant, I realised that everything I’ve worked for – every change I’ve made – has been for her.
Devinia’s day on a plate
Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | Nothing. | Fat-free yogurt with fruit, granola and chia seeds. |
Lunch | Pasty and chips. | Homemade Scotch eggs or mini frittatas with salad. |
Dinner | Chinese takeaway or chicken and chips. | Family favourites like spag bol, a Sunday roast or cauliflower mac ’n’ cheese from the Slimming World food range. |
Snacks | Doughnuts, crisps. | Boiled eggs, chicken pieces, homemade Eton mess. |
We’re thrilled to share how Devinia has transformed her health and lifestyle through losing weight with Slimming World.
Dr Pauline Swift, Chair of Blood Pressure UK, says: ‘Half of all strokes, a third of heart disease cases and a high proportion of kidney disease cases are due to high blood pressure. Lowering your blood pressure can be achieved quite easily by reducing your salt intake and, if necessary, taking blood pressure-lowering tablets. Furthermore, simple improvements in diet and lifestyle (such as doing short bursts of exercise frequently and eating more fruit and vegetables) can really help keep blood pressure down.’
Slimming World nutritionist Alexandra Clark shares more ways to cut your risk...
1. Manage your weight
Being a healthy weight is one of the best ways to support your heart health. Losing just 5% of your body weight can reduce your risk of heart disease.
2. Limit your salt intake
Having too much can increase your risk of high blood pressure, which in turn is a risk factor for heart disease. Cooking from scratch and checking salt quantities on labels (adults are recommended to have no more than 6g per day) can help to manage your consumption.
3. Cut down on unhealthy fats
High intakes of saturated fats, such as fatty meats, butter, cakes and pastries can lead to high cholesterol levels and weight gain. Including more omega-3 fats found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel, plus walnuts and linseeds, can be beneficial for heart health.
4. Fill up on fibre
As well as keeping your digestive system working well, fibre helps you feel fuller for longer, which supports weight loss and weight management. Plus, some fibre-containing foods are particularly good for our cholesterol levels, such as oats, beans, peas and lentils.
5. Get active!
Moving more is one of the most powerful things you can do for your heart. Regular activity helps to lower your risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And it all counts – brisk walking, cycling to work, swimming, gym classes, housework and gardening! Aim to include 1-2 strength-building sessions a week to support your muscle and bone health, too.
Devinia’s success story features in the March/April 2026 issue of Slimming World Magazine – available on newsstands and in Slimming World groups, now with a brand-new look!
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.