At 24, my whole world changed when I lost my nan. It left a huge hole in my life, and I turned to food for comfort. I found myself eating to fill the emptiness I didn’t know how to deal with – and as my mental health dipped, so did my confidence.
I started shrinking away from life. I got out of having my photo taken when I could, stopped saying yes to social plans and did everything possible to avoid drawing attention to myself. I tried shakes and fad diets to lose weight, hoping something might work… but nothing did.
Rebuilding my confidence
The turning point came when I saw a photo of myself at my mother‑in‑law’s 60th birthday party. I barely recognised the person looking back at me, and it was a real wake‑up call.
One of my friends had already lost 1½st (9.5kg) with Slimming World and had been gently encouraging me to join her. That photo was the push I needed – and I’ll never stop thanking her for giving me that nudge. It honestly changed my life.
Walking into group for the first time was terrifying. I didn’t want to face the number on the scales, and part of me just wanted to turn around and leave straight away. But from the moment I met my Consultant, Jo, and the warm, friendly members, I knew I wasn’t on my own. I didn’t stay to group initially… now I’m on the social team! It’s become such a huge and positive part of my week.
Learning to love food again
Before Slimming World, I’d barely eat during the day – only to end up having takeaways and snacks late at night.
At one point, I was ordering up to four takeaways a week at around £30 each. Looking back, it’s crazy to think how much money it added up to – especially when I realise I’ve only had a handful of takeaways so far this year now I’m Food Optimising.
Learning how to fuel my body properly has been genuinely life-changing. I’m eating more than ever – and losing weight. Before I joined Jo’s group, I never realised I could make such tasty, healthy meals from low‑cost everyday ingredients.
These days, I love cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. Fakeaways have become my speciality, especially curries. There’s something so satisfying about knowing what’s in my food. My meals are healthier, full of Free Foods that actually fill me up, keep me going for longer, and taste far better than a greasy takeaway.
With Jo’s expert help, I’ve learned to spot my danger times – like when I’m out with the girls. She’s helped me realise that by being more mindful of what I’m eating or drinking, I can still enjoy those night outs and stick to my weight loss plan. I look through the menu for the best Food Optimising options and ask for small swaps – things like no butter on my jacket potato or having cheese on the side so I can choose how much I want.
I still love my coffee dates with friends just as much as before, too, but now I make little tweaks that protect my weight loss. It feels really good to be in control.
I adore Slimming World Magazine for fresh foodie ideas, and the Take 5 Free Food cookbook is my ultimate favourite – the recipes are quick, cost‑effective and easy. The Slimming World cooking videos on the app and YouTube have boosted my confidence in the kitchen so much as well. My family joke that they can’t get me out of there now!
Take a look: Slimming World’s YouTube channel
A new mindset
I’ve always been really hard on myself, but Slimming World has helped me realise that being kinder actually stops me from slipping back into my old habits.
Jo, my group and my wonderful family have been there through everything – especially my husband, Sean, who’s my biggest cheerleader. My mum lifts me up when I doubt myself, too. It’s given me the extra push to keep going to target.
My biggest motivation is my daughter, Aleena. I want to show her that with the right support, you can achieve absolutely anything. Losing weight hasn’t just changed my body – it’s given me my voice back.
Discovering what my body can do
I used to get out of breath doing almost any kind of movement – even just going up the stairs. And when I was working on my feet all day as a hairdresser, I’d end each shift in so much pain.
I eased myself into activity by doing the Couch to 5K, and when I finished it, I cried. I never believed I could do something like that. Now, being active is something that brings me joy instead of fear.
Since then, I’ve taken part in the 5K Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK – and even beat my personal best! I box once or twice a week, and I love walking. Mindful walks have become one of my favourite ways to unwind and clear my head.
Living life to the full again
Everything feels different now. I’m more confident, more energetic and far more present in my own life.
I go swimming with Aleena, enjoy beach days, meet up with friends – and I’m actually in the photos instead of hiding behind the camera. I’m making memories instead of avoiding them.
I’ve dropped from a size 18 to a size 10. One of the funniest moments after I lost weight was when my pyjama bottoms fell down while I was carrying some boxes upstairs! Thank goodness I was home alone 😄.
I’m happier, healthier and truly myself again. And the best part is seeing how proud Aleena is. She comes to group with me when she’s not at school, cheering me on when I get my awards.
Slimming World has given me back my spark. I’m playful, cheeky, fun and confident – and I want everyone to feel this incredible freedom. My smile is real now and my heart is full.
Whitley’s story reflects a new UK-wide poll* that shows the cost of the nation’s fast-food habit. The research revealed that 60% of people typically spend up to £50 a week on takeaways and high-fat, high-sugar convenience foods. Almost a third (29%) spend more than £100 per month on frozen items like nuggets and chips.
It’s no surprise, then, that 33% of those polled say they’re shocked by how much they spend and almost half (47%) agree they’d save a significant amount by cutting back. Yet 20% admit they don’t feel confident cooking from scratch.
When people do cook at home, the benefits are clear: 46% say they save money, 40% feel healthier, 33% enjoy cooking more, 29% say their family eats better and 17% have more energy.
In a separate poll**, Slimming World members were surveyed – and the findings show just how transformative the organisation’s support can be in making big savings as well as big health gains. The study of over 1,500 members – over three-quarters (77%) of whom have lost more than a stone (6.3kg) – revealed a significant financial benefit for members. Before joining Slimming World, 88% of those surveyed were spending up to £100 a week on takeaways and convenience foods. Since joining, 39% say they’ve cut out these purchases altogether – a change that could save households more than £5,000 a year while supporting healthier eating habits.
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.
*Research conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 general respondents across the UK between 11.03.2026 and 16.03.2026.
**Research conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,656 Slimming World members between 11.03.2026 and 17.03.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.