My weight was always there in the background. I’d try a new diet, have some success, feel hopeful... and then gradually put the pounds back on again. It wasn’t just frustrating, it chipped away at my confidence and made me worry about my health, too.  

I first joined Slimming World back in 2009. At the time, I weighed 17st 12lbs (113.4kg) and lost an amazing 4st 7lbs (28.6kg) in just six months. Then life took a different turn when I fell pregnant – but, while I stopped attending group, Slimming World was never far from my mind. I still bought every issue of Slimming World Magazine and always felt part of the community.

Fast forward to the start of 2025, and I was tired of dieting and feeling like I was failing. More importantly, I was getting more and more worried about my health. I was living with type 2 diabetes, and my GP warned me that my blood sugar levels were becoming dangerously high. 

I rejoined Slimming World, this time as an online member, because I knew the Food Optimising plan worked for me. I lost around a stone and was enjoying feeling in control again. As someone with type 2 diabetes, though, I wanted to explore every option available to improve my health. So, after discussing it with my healthcare team, I started taking Mounjaro in April 2025.

From the beginning, I was determined to keep Food Optimising and use the support of Slimming World to help me create lasting healthy habits. 

I knew that if I wanted this weight loss journey to be different, I needed to change my mindset and my relationship with food. 

For me, the combination was exactly what I needed. The weight loss medication helped quieten my constant thoughts about food, while Slimming World showed me how to build healthy routines I could genuinely live with.

By January 2026, I’d lost 6st 9½lbs (42.4kg). As I started reducing my Mounjaro, I decided I wanted the extra accountability and support of an in-person Slimming World group, so I swapped my online membership for weekly group sessions. 

To be honest, coming off the Mounjaro felt daunting. With so much talk about putting weight back on after stopping weight loss medication, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. But I felt reassured knowing I had my Consultant, my group and the Food Optimising plan behind me.

I’ve always been open with my Consultant and fellow members about using weight loss medication, and their support’s been invaluable. I truly believe that going to group each week is one of the biggest reasons I've been able to maintain my success. 

Since coming off Mounjaro, I’ve gone on to lose another 10lbs – so I’m almost 11st (69.8kg) lighter than my heaviest weight. 

The difference goes far beyond the number on the scales. When I was bigger, I often felt worn out, and worried about what the future might hold. Now I have more energy than ever. I take the stairs instead of the lift without thinking twice. I wake up feeling refreshed. And one of my greatest joys is being able to run around with my grandchildren.

A very proud moment of my journey came when my type 2 diabetes went into remission. Another was discovering I could fit into my 18-year-old daughter’s jeans! 

I thought I’d always struggle with my weight. Now I’ve got my health and confidence back, and I feel genuinely optimistic about the future. The medication helped me get started, but Slimming World has given me the tools and support to make those changes last.