Mum and daughter lose 19st in incredible transformation – without medication or surgery

A mother and daughter from Birmingham who have lost a life-changing 18st 13.4lbs (120.4kg) between them say losing weight together has made their achievement even more special.

Susan and Holly Brelsforth have been named Slimming World’s Two Together 2026 winners – a competition celebrating members who’ve lost weight together in one of the organisation’s groups in the UK and Ireland – and say they’re glad they found a way to lose weight without surgery or medication.

Holly, 26, who lost 13st 4.5lbs after deciding against weight loss surgery, says: “I’d been overweight for as long as I could remember. As I reached my teens my weight spiralled and it wasn’t long before it started impacting my health. By the time I was 16, I was taking 20 tablets a day to manage my severe asthma symptoms. When I injured my knee after a fall and was told I needed to lose weight before I could have an operation, I knew I needed to do something.”

Holly’s mum Susan, 62, who’s now 5st 9lbs lighter, says: “I struggled to manage my weight after having my three children. As they got older and life got busier, I stopped looking after myself – and over time my weight became too difficult to deal with alone.

“The final straw for me came when I was on holiday in New York and I couldn’t keep up when we were climbing the Statue of Liberty. I was so out of breath that the others had to physically pull me along. I was so embarrassed. When I got home from the holiday, I knew I needed to make a change for good, so I spoke to my doctor and joined Slimming World through a 12-week referral scheme.”

Holly and Susan had attempted to lose weight in the past but found nothing worked long-term. Holly says: “We tried so many different diets. At one point I was even offered weight loss surgery by my doctor, but the idea of going under the knife scared me. We always felt so restricted in what we could actually eat – and while we’d lose some weight, at times we felt like we were missing out – like we couldn’t enjoy food anymore.

“With Slimming World it’s been completely different, we’ve never felt like we were on a diet – and that’s exactly why we’ve been able to stick with it. Before we joined, our diet had been mostly takeaways and deep-fried foods, and we’d often choose convenience over healthy options.”

Holly, an IT Knowledge Analyst for the AA who lives at home with her parents, continues: “Our Consultant Michelle was brilliant at helping us plan better and feel more in control of our choices, while also showing us how to build healthier habits that fit around our day-to-day lives. She reassured us we didn’t need to cut anything out and explained we could still enjoy everyday meals like pasta, burgers and chilli con carne and still lose weight – which made it so much easier to get started. Listening to other members talk openly helped us recognise our own triggers too – whether it was busy days or old habits creeping back in – and showed us we weren’t alone. We picked up loads of practical tips on planning ahead from the group, and it has completely changed the way we think about food.”

Susan adds: “We now eat more balanced, nutritious meals and have discovered a real love for cooking. We’ve tried so many new recipes from the app and Slimming World Magazine – one of our favourites is a homemade burger with chips and salad. We make time each week to plan and prep our meals, so we’re less likely to snack as there’s always something ready when we need it. We also love the Slimming World food range at Iceland – it’s perfect when we want something quick and healthy instead of ordering a takeaway.”

Through Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme, Holly and Susan began incorporating more activity into their routine, in a way that felt manageable for them. Holly says: “We’d avoid physical activity as much as possible before. Even something simple like walking would feel difficult and exhausting. As I lost weight, I was able to have my knee operation, which helped my mobility so much. Eventually I started swimming, which I love now. And as I got fitter and my confidence grew, I challenged myself to complete a two-mile swim – something that would have felt impossible before. Now I swim three times a week, no longer struggle with my asthma and feel fitter than ever.”

Susan agrees: “As a childminder, I’m constantly on my feet and I’d struggle to keep up with the children on the walks to school or get down on the floor to play with them. Now, I can keep up with them without feeling out of breath – and trips to the park are no longer a challenge. I’ve got five grandchildren and I love being an active Nanny to them, too. Everything about life feels easier now.”

Losing weight has completely transformed Holly and Susan’s lives. Susan says: “Our Slimming World journey has been life-changing in so many ways. I no longer hide away in dark, baggy clothing and feel confident wearing things I would have avoided before. I also enjoy holidays and days out without constantly worrying about how I look – it’s given me a whole new sense of freedom. What makes it even more special is that we did it together, supporting each other through every step of the way.”

Holly adds: “Slimming World hasn’t just helped us lose weight, it’s given us our health, confidence and quality of life back. It’s shown us that with the right support, real change is possible – and that it can be done without surgery or weight loss drugs. I’ve even put myself forward for a promotion at work – something I didn’t have the confidence to do before. Without Michelle, our group and each other, we wouldn’t be where we are today – with a healthy future ahead of us.”

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You can view a video of Susan and Holly’s story here.

VITAL STATS HOLLY:

Name: Holly Brelsforth
Age: 26
Height: 5ft 9ins/175cm 
Starting weight: 24st 6.5lbs/342.5lbs/155.4kg    
Current weight: 11st 2lbs/156lbs/70.8kg 
Weight loss: 13st 4.5lbs/186.5lbs/84.6kg    
Dress size before: 38
Dress size now: 12
Date joined Slimming World: July 2023

Before menu
Breakfast: White toast with generous butter, or four croissants with plenty of jam and large energy drink
Lunch: Takeaway doner kebab and a medium bag of chips
Dinner: Chinese takeaway or pizza with chips and a garlic bread
Snacks: Sharing bag sized crisps, a large bar of chocolate and tub of ice cream

After menu
Breakfast: Fruit bowl with a protein yoghurt and sugar free energy drink
Lunch: Slimming World Lunch Bowl from the food range or wholemeal toasted pitta bread with crudités and homemade or low fat houmous
Dinner: Homemade burger and chips with a mixed salad
Snacks: Slimming World Hi-Fibre bar, a small chocolate bar or low-calorie ice-cream

VITAL STATS SUSAN:

Name: Susan Brelsforth  
Age: 62
Height: 5ft 4ins/163cm 
Starting weight: 14st 13lbs/209lbs/94.8kg    
Current weight: 9st 4lbs/130lbs/59kg 
Weight loss: 5st 9lbs/79lbs/35.8kg    
Dress size before: 18
Dress size now: 10
Date joined Slimming World: September 2020

Group: Susan and Holly attend the Perry Barr group, which is run by Consultant Michelle Parsons-Woodley

Before menu
Breakfast: White toast with butter and jam and butter

Lunch: Ham and cheese sandwich on white bread with plenty of butter

Dinner: Takeaway Chinese or pizza with chips and chicken strips

Snacks: Large chocolate bar, a pack of biscuits and a bag of toffee popcorn

After menu
Breakfast: Low-fat yogurt with frozen berries or overnight oats

Lunch: Homemade chicken salad with plenty of veg and a fruit platter

Dinner: Homemade Slimming World chilli con carne with boiled rice

Snacks: Slimming World Hi-Fibre bar, fresh fruit, a small chocolate bar