Real Success

An amazing weight loss of 5st 2½ lbs has been a truly uplifting experience for Emma Durham. After years of unhappiness at her size, Emma tells us how she has changed her life.

“I’ve battled with my weight for many years, starting when I was a teenager. I could never really understand why I was so big, I didn't binge on sweets, cakes or chocolates in fact I got so depressed I tried not to eat at all. I hated food and skipped meals frequently as I thought it was the only way I would lose weight, but I stayed the same size which just made me more depressed. Food became my enemy.

“My wedding to Jason was the best day of my life but I felt like a big meringue in my dress and wished I could have felt more beautiful and slim. Everyone said how beautiful I looked but I really didn’t feel that way at all.

“After I had my three children, Angie, Rhys and Jamie, I ended up putting on more weight. Finding clothes that were trendy and comfortable was a nightmare. I felt so disgusted with myself that I just hid away under baggy tops and jeans. In the summer I would swelter because I refused to wear skirts or shorts as I was so ashamed of the way I looked. Everyday I would get up and sit on the edge of the bed crying. I went through phases of not eating anything and then when I did eat I ate the wrong things.

“I used to get a bus to and from work and found it difficult to walk down the aisle, which was usually full of teenagers going to school/college. They’d sometimes shout abuse which was really hurtful and I hated having to go to work. I felt completely humiliated, embarrassed and extremely upset.

"I also suffered with asthma and bad knee joints that made it difficult to walk upstairs or run around with my children; I wanted them to have an active mum."

“Last January the turning point came with a leaflet through my door. It was advertising a Slimming World group in my village. It was really scary standing on those scales for the first time because I didn't have a clue how heavy I was. I was nervous about having to talk during the session but my fears soon disappeared thanks to a very caring, funny and understanding group and also thanks to a wonderful Consultant. I couldn't wait to go the following week.

“Food Optimising is fantastic. I love the fact that you can enjoy huge platefuls of food without gaining weight and I no longer feel guilty about enjoying myself. I love mixed grills because I can eat all my favourite meats with a jacket potato or new potatoes as a Healthy Extra. I’ve learnt that it’s OK to eat food and even eat out and have takeaways because I know I’m in control.

“I went away for a weekend and enjoyed lots of alcohol and food. I expected and was prepared for a gain but it wasn’t that much. I realised that naturally slim people do this; they gain a few pounds but don't notice as they return to their usual way of eating and lose it again.

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“I never did any exercise before. I walk a lot now and use an exercise bike at home. I use housework as an exercise routine by going up and down the stairs more often to put washing away, etc. I walk to the shops instead of driving and the kids get more exercise this way too! I love walking which is something I didn't do much of before. I even walked my children to and from school a few times over the summer and they go to a school in another village.

“I have gradually learned to accept that I am slim now and my confidence is growing. I have learnt how to eat healthily and no longer feel guilty as I’m in control of my weight.

“I can go out and enjoy myself now as before I felt as though I stood out and never enjoyed myself. I can look in the mirror and like what I see which I haven't been able to do for many years.

“The depression has lifted and I’m happy. I love life now and I no longer feel like a prisoner trapped inside my own body. My daughter made me smile the other day because she gave me a big cuddle and said "Mummy look I can put both my arms right around you now" and that one comment made me see just how well I have done. I no longer feel like a failure.

“My husband is extremely proud of me and so are the children. My ambition is to stay slim and enjoy my life. If I can lose that much weight then I can do anything if I want it enough!”

find out more

If you'd like to reveal the real you, find your nearest warm and friendly Slimming World group, where men and women are welcome.