Growing up, I was always the larger one in my friend group. I’d hide in photos or avoid being in them altogether. I didn’t want to go out and be seen, so I’d often cancel plans last minute. As I moved into adulthood, my weight spiralled further out of control and, without even realising it, I put myself firmly on the back burner. 

While I was pregnant with my second child, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. My mobility issues meant I had to stop working and needed crutches to get around. I’d tried so many faddy diets over the years to lose weight – but they never worked. With each failure, I felt more alone and convinced that nothing would ever work for me.

One of my biggest regrets is that I have no photos with my two children, Aurora, seven, and Litt, four, when they were younger. It breaks my heart that there are so few memories captured with their mummy. I missed important milestones simply because I couldn’t bring myself to be in a photo – and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.

My breaking point came in October 2024, when I took Aurora and Litt to Disneyland. It should’ve been a dream holiday, but it turned into a nightmare. I struggled to walk around the park and didn’t feel comfortable on the rides because the safety bar dug into my stomach. I felt like I was letting my children down – I was so embarrassed. Seeing their sad faces in such a magical place was devastating. I hated every second of that trip and cried myself to sleep each night. My mental health was at its lowest. I felt utterly hopeless and unable to see a way forward, to the point where I no longer wanted to wake up the next day.

It felt like a sign when I began seeing adverts and posters for Slimming World on Facebook and in my local area. I worked up the nerve to join a group near me, but I was so worried about walking through those doors. 

Watch what happens in a Slimming World group

I edged into the room with my head down, not making eye contact – I didn’t want anybody to talk to me as I was so scared. It’s crazy to reflect on that now, because everyone was so friendly. I felt at home straight away.

The sense of community you get at group is one of the best feelings in the world. I’ve never once felt like I was on my own. That support is something you just don’t find anywhere else, and it makes you want to try even harder – for yourself and for the people cheering you on. Nowadays, I walk through those doors with my head held high and a big smile on my face. 

Find your nearest Slimming World group

I’ve never felt like I was on a diet. It’s real, proper food, and there’s so much variety. It really opened my eyes to what I can do with my meals. When I first joined, I invested in a slow cooker, which I use to make tasty dishes like fajita bowls. The kids absolutely love it and we all eat the same food, making life a lot easier.

The biggest change for me was making a weekly meal plan, so I always knew exactly what we were having. Before that, I relied heavily on takeaways, and I’d pick at the kids’ leftovers without even thinking about it.

I’ve eaten out a few times during my journey, and it’s been really easy to manage. Checking the restaurant’s website beforehand has helped, along with the ‘eating out’ section in my book and the features on the app.

How Slimming World’s healthy eating plan works

I always keep Slimming World food range meals from Iceland in the freezer for busy days, and I save the recipes from the packs so I can cook them from scratch another time.

Slimming World Kitchen boxes are another favourite of mine – I love having all the ingredients delivered to my door. You just don’t get this level of support when you follow other weight loss plans!

Aurora is my number one cheerleader. She’s always saying how proud she is of me and how beautiful her mummy is – and she’s noticed how much happier I am. That means everything to me. She loves coming along to group with me and is the loudest one in the room when I get a new shiny sticker and certificate. It’s a great reminder of my reason for losing weight.

I can do the school run now – something my legs just couldn’t manage before, and something I was once too embarrassed to face doing. I can take the kids to the park, swimming and soft play, and we spend so much more time doing things together. I love it and it means the world to them. They often say they love spending time with their ‘new mummy’, because I can finally join in and make those memories with them.

Being in a SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator) role was always my dream job, but I never had the confidence to do it. Losing weight with Slimming World has given me the confidence to fulfil that dream. I’ve already had two promotions for my hard work and efforts, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my career.

There’s no limit to what I can do now. I’m even setting up a girls’ football team in my local area for my daughter – which I plan to coach. The ‘old me’ would never have believed it. I just love that I don’t hide away from what life throws at me any more.

I couldn’t believe how soon I lost 5st 9lbs (35.8kg) and reached my target weight! I feel confident I’ll stay there, as I treat every day as if it’s my first day as a member. I’m always learning about different foods and I use the Planner on the app to stay on track. 

The thought of exercise used to terrify me. I couldn’t even walk around the house, so activity was a no-go. I absolutely love it now – the feeling you get afterwards is so motivating, and I know it’ll help me maintain my weight loss.

We’ll help you gradually build up your fitness through our active lifestyle programme

A few of my colleagues have joined Slimming World since seeing my journey, and we’ve started our own little running club. We didn’t really talk before, but my weight loss started that conversation – it’s amazing to have that friendship now, and I feel proud when I see how much happier they’re becoming in themselves. 

Slimming World has changed my life in ways I never thought possible – it saved my life. I’m no longer at risk of type 2 diabetes, and my blood pressure and cholesterol are back where they should be. I feel stronger and healthier than I have in years. But more than anything, my mental health is in the best place it’s ever been. The difference is unbelievable compared to this time last year.

Things are so positive now. I wake up feeling happy and grateful for each day. I’m a better mum to my children, which is the biggest and most important change of all. I say yes to days out, taking photos and making memories. Every day feels special, and I make the most of every moment.

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