From turnstile trouble to Portman pride: Ipswich fan Graham loses 17st with Slimming World

Lifelong Ipswich Town fan Graham’s life has taken a real turn for the better since losing an incredible 17 stone with Slimming World.

After struggling to fit through the turnstiles, Graham gave up going to matches. Today, having lost half his body weight, he says he feels 20 years younger.

These days, Graham, from Bury St Edmunds, says navigating life is as easy as strolling into Portman Road on a sunny Saturday afternoon, with more energy, confidence and freedom than ever before.

It was Graham’s wife Belinda who encouraged Graham to go to Slimming World in April 2024.  Graham says: “As soon as I walked through the doors, Shani, the Consultant, clocked me straight away. She was brilliant and made me feel welcome, which gave me confidence.”

Looking back, Graham says: “I can honestly say that if I hadn’t joined Slimming World, I don’t believe I’d have lived to see 60.”

At his heaviest, Graham says he was constantly exhausted, lethargic and barely able to walk a mile.  He says: “I avoided the doctor for years because I knew what they’d say: “You have to lose weight.” Even though I’ve always worked in physical jobs – I was a groundsman and now I’m a window cleaner – and I always told myself I was “fit for a big bloke”, the reality was very different. As I got older, it became harder and harder to work the weight off. I was tired all the time.” 

Before joining his local Slimming World group, Graham says each Saturday watching his beloved Ipswich Town would see him regularly drink 10 pints. He says: “I always worked hard, I was active, but food and drink was my downfall. Every afternoon around 2.30pm I’d have six bags of crisps back-to-back, followed by five or six chocolate bars. Belinda would cook a healthy meal every evening, but once everyone had settled down, they’d hear me back in the kitchen rustling the packets – it was like I couldn’t stop myself.

“The real turning point came when I was in hospital for more than two weeks with a serious leg infection. The doctor drew a pen line around the infection and he told me it couldn’t spread past that mark. He said if the antibiotics didn’t work within 48 hours, they’d have to amputate my leg. That was it – that was the moment, I knew I’d run out of chances.”

Graham committed and says the transformation has been lifechanging: “Now, Belinda and I plan our meals together using the app. Our favourites include chicken risotto, pasta dishes, curries and the Slimming World Free Food range at Iceland. We recently went on an all-inclusive long weekend and I stayed on plan without feeling deprived or like I was missing out. That’s when I knew this is my new normal. The plan has become part of my everyday routine, so I ate well but stayed mindful about what I chose. For breakfast, instead of going straight for a full English, I leaned more towards fruit and if I did have bacon, I removed the fat. Lunch was usually chicken or tuna salad with fruit and I chose healthier dinner choices like fish or lean steak. I also kept alcohol low and it all felt natural – and showed me how much my habits have changed.

“Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight – it taught me how to eat properly. I tried pills, exercise, everything. This is what worked. It’s given me my life back. Nowadays I feel like a 20-year-old. I walk up to 10 miles a day with my dog. Before, I was lucky if I managed one mile. 

“I’ve ditched crisps and chocolate completely. Once I put my mind to it, I knew I could do it. I’m so proud knowing that I’ve inspired other people locally to join after seeing my journey on Facebook.

“Belinda and I have been married for 35 years and we have three adult children – Sian, Matthew and Bethany – and three grandsons aged eight, five and just seven months. I realised I didn’t just want to lose weight. I wanted to be here for them. At 56, I’ve been given a second chance. I’m not just lighter – I’m alive, awake and present. And I fully intend to be here, watching my grandchildren grow up, for many, many years to come.”

For 56 years, Slimming World has helped people change their habits with real-life support in weekly groups led by trained Consultants who truly understand the challenges of weight loss. Members get a powerful package of support including a flexible eating plan and an app that helps members stay motivated between groups with easy access to the eating plan, food choices, progress charts and tools to stay on track.

Shani Yates is Graham’s Slimming World Consultant. Shani says: “Supporting Graham has been an absolute joy. His determination has inspired every single member in our group and he’s become a bit of a local legend. Seeing him lose an incredible 17st after struggling for so long makes me so proud. Graham brings energy, ideas and kindness to every session and the support he gives others is extraordinary. He’s a much‑loved member of our Slimming World family and a real example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself."

Group: Graham attends Shani Yates’ Slimming World group in Stanton, Bury St Edmunds. For more information or to find your nearest group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk.

Graham Baalham

Commencing weight: 28st 12lbs

Weight at group finals: 11st 13lbs

Height: 5 ft 4 in

Weight lost: 16st 13lbs in 92 weeks

Graham’s day on a plate