When I first joined my Slimming World group in 2024, I weighed 20st 11lbs (132kg) and wore a size 24. I was only 28, but I felt uncomfortable in my body and worried about where my health was heading. I had really painful sciatica, type 2 diabetes ran in my family, and I knew I wasn't looking after myself.

I've been with my boyfriend Sam for eight years. When we moved in together, takeaways became a normal part of our routine – we’d often be busy and tired after work and decide it was easier to order in food than cook. Before long, we were spending around £100 a week on takeaways and convenience food without really thinking about it.

The problem was that I never really learned how to cook properly. Planning meals wasn’t something I’d think about, so whenever I wanted to lose weight I’d look for a quick fix instead.

I’d try meal-replacement diets, just having shakes during the day and a small meal in the evening. I’d usually lose some weight, but it felt miserable and never lasted. As soon as I started eating normally again, the weight would go straight back on.

At group, nobody told me I had to survive on tiny portions or cut out all the foods I loved. Instead, I learnt how to make healthier versions of meals I actually wanted to eat. I started cooking from scratch and making fakeaways at home, and I genuinely enjoyed it.

I think that’s when things really started to click for me. For the first time, I wasn’t trying to get through a diet. I was building habits I could actually imagine sticking with.

Sam got on board, too. We’d plan our meals together and try new recipes. We still ate things like stir-fries, curries and burgers, but making them ourselves meant we were saving money and eating more healthily at the same time.

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I’d always thought losing weight was something you had to do on your own, and hadn’t realised how much easier it becomes when you’ve got people around you who understand.

I was so worried about walking into group for the first time, but everyone was incredibly welcoming. My Consultant, Angie, immediately put me at ease and, as I got to know the other members, I realised that everyone was there because they’d struggled on their own, too.

Every week, members would celebrate with me when things were going well, and on the difficult weeks there was always someone with a bit of encouragement or a practical tip. There was never any judgement.

Over time, the changes in me started to go far beyond the number on the scales. One of the first things I noticed was that my sciatica had disappeared. I work with young children at a nursery, so being active is a big part of my job. Before, getting down on the floor to play with them was a struggle, and standing back up again wasn’t much fun either. Now I don’t even think about it – I have so much more energy.

I’m fitter now, too. When I joined Slimming World, running wasn’t on my radar. I started with short walks, then made them longer, and gradually built up from there. Earlier this year, I completed my first ever 10K.

Discover more: Create new active habits with Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme

By the time I turned 30, I’d lost 8st (50.8kg), and I celebrated with a trip to Disney World in Florida. We did around 30,000 steps a day in the heat and I loved every minute of it. A few years earlier, that much walking would have left me exhausted and in pain. I would’ve worried about fitting on rides, too – something I’d always had in the back of my mind before. Instead, I just enjoyed myself.

Sam and I have definitely noticed a difference financially since we started Food Optimising. Some of the money we used to spend on takeaways helped pay for our Disney trip, and some more's gone on a new wardrobe of clothes for me.

Read more: The cost of convenience: Could one healthy change save you thousands?

I actually enjoy shopping now. I wear bright colours, fitted styles and things I’d never have had the confidence to choose before. 

If I’m honest, though, my clothes size isn’t the most important thing. It’s being able to go out for meals, enjoy holidays, spend time with friends and live my life without feeling guilty.

Slimming World has taught me that healthy living doesn’t have to mean missing out. It’s about balance, consistency and finding a way of eating that works in real life.

Yes, I’m half the size I used to be, but the biggest change is how I feel about myself. I’m healthier, happier and more confident than I’ve ever been, and that's what I’m most proud of.

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.