Pauline maintains 6st weight loss for 11 years – without weight loss medication

A Cambridgeshire businesswoman is celebrating 11½ years at her Slimming World target weight after losing almost six stone – without the use of weight loss medication.

Pauline Smith picked up the Slimming World Diamond Member 2026 award in recognition of her exceptional long-term commitment to maintaining her weight loss and inspiring other members.

Married to husband Colin and mum to daughters Rebecca and Rachel, Pauline, 75, says: “I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. I was overweight as a child and often teased because of my size, so food became a source of comfort. After losing our son, Christian at birth and, later, my sister at a young age, I turned to food to cope with my grief too. Food became my emotional crutch and helped me deal with feelings I didn’t know how to process.”

Living with coeliac disease added another challenge when it came to managing her weight. Over the years, Pauline tried numerous diets to try and regain control, but none addressed the emotional reasons behind her eating habits

Her turning point came during a hospital appointment in 2013 when she was asked to step on the scales as part of a routine check. Pauline says: "I refused to be weighed because I was embarrassed, but when the doctor asked why, I was defensive and brushed it off. Deep down, I already knew my weight was affecting my health. I'd been taking medication for high blood pressure for around 10 years, and I was terrified to face the reality of where my weight had taken me. That moment became my wake-up call."

Not long afterwards, Pauline joined her local March Slimming World group. She says: "I was absolutely terrified walking through the door. I thought I'd be judged and worried my coeliac disease would make things complicated. But I what I found was warmth, understanding and support. Everyone just got it and for the first time, I felt hopeful.

“I loved that I could enjoy everyday foods like lasagne and cook proper family meals without feeling restricted. There’s so much support available, from recipes and the Slimming World app to the encouragement you get in group, and the plan was adaptable for any intolerances, allergies or autoimmune conditions like Coeliac disease.

“Now, If I’m ever stuck for ideas, I ask in group and Jamie, my Consultant, is always there to help. That’s the beauty of staying to group, there’s always support, inspiration and practical advice from people who truly understand. Jamie and the group feel like family, and we celebrate every success together.”

Six weeks after joining Slimming World and losing 21lbs, Pauline suffered a life-threatening medical emergency and needed major surgery. She says: "For many people that would have been a reason to stop, but for me it strengthened my determination. I remember medical staff telling me that losing weight had already benefited my health. Waking up in intensive care afterwards was a huge reality check. I realised just how fragile life can be and promised myself I would never give up on my health."

With the support of her Slimming World group and Consultant Jamie, Pauline went on to lose 5st 10lbs in total dropping from a size 26 to a size 14.

Her dedication and commitment have now been recognised after winning Slimming World’s Diamond Member 2026 award. She says: “Before joining Slimming World I was inactive, struggled with high blood pressure and often got out of breath just walking. Today, I love getting outdoors, walking and gardening, and I no longer need medication for my blood pressure. Slimming World helped me change my relationship with food and find healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. I still eat comforting meals, but I prepare and cook them differently now and I plan in advance to make sure after a busy day I have healthy meals available. The shame and embarrassment I once felt have been replaced by confidence, self-worth and happiness

Pauline's success has inspired her family, too. She continues: “My biggest joy has been seeing my family become healthier. My husband, Colin, has lost more than six-and-a-half stone, my daughter Rebecca has lost five-and-a-half stone and my youngest daughter, Rachel, has also made positive changes to create a healthier lifestyle. What started as my journey became a family success story and that makes me incredibly proud.”

In 2019 Pauline returned to education and trained as a professional counsellor. She says: "For the first time I realised I was capable of much more than I'd imagined. Today I run my own counselling practice and help people struggling with self-esteem, trauma, anxiety and depression. I went from hiding behind food to helping others rebuild their confidence. I honestly don't think I would have had the courage to do that without Slimming World."

Now, as she celebrates more than a decade at target, Pauline hopes her story will encourage others who may feel too nervous to take that first step. She says: "The secret to lasting weight loss is making sure you have support in place. For me, that’s the members of Jamie’s group, they’re just fab. I think however you lose weight, whether that’s with or without medication – you need to have the right people around you to keep it off. I know I’ve found what works for me – so I’ll never look back.”

Group: Pauline attends Jamie Holland’s Slimming World group in March, Cambridgeshire

VITAL STATS

Pauline Smith:

Starting weight: 17st 8lbs 111.6 kg.

Weight loss: 5st 10lbs 36.7kg

Weight now: 11st 10lbs 74.3kg

Maintained for: 11 years 6 months

Height: 5ft 5in 165cm

Joining date: 8^th January 2014

Age: 75

Before menu:

Breakfast: Toast with lots of butter and scrambled eggs

Lunch: Large jacket potato with butter and cheese

Dinner: Lasagne made with butter and cheese followed by apple crumble and custard or ice cream

Snacks: Biscuits with tea between meals, chocolate and crisps

After menu:

Breakfast: Gluten free overnight oats

Lunch: Low-fat mayonnaise egg mayonnaise sandwich on wholemeal gluten-free bread with salad followed by a bowl of fresh fruit, meringue and fat free Greek yogurt

Dinner: Slimming World’s homemade nacho-style feast

Snacks: Small chocolate bar and a pack of low-calorie crisps.