Sherone loses 4st and urges others to check their risk of type 2 diabetes

Having been diagnosed with prediabetes, Sherone Philips, 58, is sharing her weight loss transformation in the hope to inspire others to make lasting healthy habits and improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

Her story comes this World Diabetes Day (14^th November), as Slimming World, the UK’s largest weight management provider, is encouraging people to complete Diabetes UK’s free online tool, Know Your Risk, to explore their own level of risk, receive tailored support and signpost them to get further advice if required.

Grandmother-of-three Sherone, believes understanding her health risk played an important role in motivating her to make changes and welcomes the Know Your Risk tool: “I know first-hand how worrying it can be to learn you're at risk of developing a serious health condition like type 2 diabetes. I am at higher risk because of my ethnic heritage – I can’t change that part of the risk, but I can make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk. If the Know Your Risk tool helps more people understand type 2 diabetes and make positive changes to prevent it, that can only be a good thing.”

Sherone, a business consultant, who spent 25 years working for public services in local authority and NHS health and social care, had prediabetes, rising cholesterol, thyroid problems and painful knees and hips at her heaviest.

She says: “I didn’t like how I looked, and I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. My biggest concern though was my health. I felt old and unfit – I remember falling over in the garden but being unable to stop myself. I had to add physiotherapy to the mix as my shoulder and hand had been injured in the fall.

“I wanted to be fit and well, be able to play with my grandchildren and love life, but I was struggling. The fall really was the final straw.”

After learning about a referral scheme for 12 free weeks of Slimming World membership from her employer, Sherone first began her weight-loss journey with Slimming World Online in January 2024.

“I’d lost weight with Slimming World before so know the plan works – I felt committed and was determined this time would be different and that I’d keep the weight off for good.

“After losing a stone, I took a break from my weight loss journey as my dad approached his end-of-life stage with prostate cancer. I poured all my focus and energy into caring for him during his final months.

“A few months after he passed away, my health wasn’t improving. I’d spent so long caring for others, it was time to start caring about me again. My motivation returned and there was no turning back.”

Sherone restarted Slimming World Online in February 2025 weighing 13st 7lbs, and over the following months, lost an impressive 4st, achieving her target weight in September 2025.

A self-confessed food lover, she says Slimming World's Food Optimising healthy eating plan was key to her success because it never left her feeling deprived.

“I’ve tried a lot of diets in the past that restricted what and how much you can eat. These never worked for long,” Sherone explains.

“Before Slimming World, I was skipping breakfast and usually, having leftover takeaway from the night before like pizza, Chinese food or fried chicken and chips for lunch. Sometimes dinner would be a fairly balanced home cooked meal, but other days I’d have a takeaway, along with crisps, cheese and crackers, cakes or biscuits for snacks.

“Now I like to cook from scratch, and I love experimenting with new recipes like Slimming World’s burger in a bowl.”

As the weight came off, Sherone found herself with more energy and became increasingly active.

“Once I got closer to my target weight, I felt more confident about moving more,” she says.

“Before, I was barely reaching 1,500 steps a day and I’d try to avoid leaving my house. My fitness journey began by using the online Slimming World activity videos and going on short walks, then I gradually did more and more.

“Now, I love challenging myself – I do Pilates, strength training, running and walking, and I really enjoyed earning the activity awards from Slimming World.

“Never in a million years would I have believed I'd hear myself say, ‘I love exercise’ – I can run around with my grandchildren without any problems. And I've even got muscles!”

As well as returning to a healthy weight, Sherone's health has improved dramatically: “I'm no longer prediabetic, my thyroid levels and cholesterol are both in a normal range too. When I spoke to my GP about the improvements, I couldn’t quite believe how far I’d come, but I feel healthier and happier than I have in years.”

Know Your Risk forms part of Slimming World's commitment to helping people to improve their health through sustainable behaviour change, helping them to understand their personal risk of developing type 2 diabetes and take steps to reduce it.

Alongside this, Slimming World and Diabetes UK are working together to encourage conversations around all types of diabetes, prevention of type 2 diabetes and supporting healthier lifestyles.

Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK said: “Many people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes without realising it. Knowing your personal risk is the first step towards reducing it, and the Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool can help you do this. It's quick, free and could help you better understand your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, giving you the information you need to take action early and protect your future health. Slimming World members are already improving their health and wellbeing and taking a few minutes to complete the Know Your Risk tool is another positive step you can take.”

Having successfully maintained her target weight, Sherone made the decision to give back and become a Slimming World Consultant where she runs in-person groups in Houghton Regis and helps members achieve their own health and weight-loss goals.

“Since I made the decision to become a Consultant, I’ve been attending groups and know how special they are. I know how difficult it can feel when you're struggling with your weight and your health – group makes you feel like you aren’t alone,” she says. “If sharing my story helps even one person take that first step, it will be worth it.”