As I walked out of the doctor’s surgery, all I could hear were the words ‘You have prediabetes’. I sat in my car in a daze, feeling heavy in every possible way. On the way home, I couldn’t stop asking myself: ‘How did I get here?’

It wasn’t just my health that was suffering. My relationship with my husband, Nick, was strained, and my mental health was at rock bottom. I hated being seen and avoided social events and photos. It felt like I was watching life from the sidelines, especially with my three children, Ruby, 11, James, 10, and seven-year-old Georgia. They deserved an energetic, present mum. Instead, I felt exhausted, withdrawn and stuck.

For days after the diagnosis, I couldn’t shake the fear. I knew something had to change – not just for my blood sugar levels, but for my confidence, my marriage and my children. 

The truth was, I’d been there before. For as long as I could remember, I’d been trapped in a cycle: lose weight, feel hopeful, regain the weight, feel like a failure. I tried everything, including shakes, fasting and cutting out entire food groups. They’d leave me feeling constantly hungry and miserable, so eventually I’d give up.

Back in 2012, I joined Slimming World and lost 2st (12.7kg) before my wedding. I felt amazing walking down the aisle. But after the big day, I drifted away from group, convincing myself I could manage alone. Slowly, the weight crept back on. Then, after I became a mum, any healthy habits I’d built disappeared under sleepless nights and survival mode.

Deep down, I always knew the plan worked. But we’d moved house, and the idea of walking into a brand-new group terrified me. What if I failed again? What if everyone judged me?

In the end, the turning point wasn’t the scales. It was my camera roll. I realised I hardly had any photos of me with my children, which broke my heart. I didn’t want to miss out on their childhood because I was hiding away.

I was nervous. Really nervous. But from the moment my Consultant, Terri, welcomed me, I felt a shift. There was no judgement – just warmth, understanding and genuine belief that I could do this. Even though I’d followed Food Optimising before, hearing it explained again made something click. This time, I wasn’t chasing a quick fix. I was rebuilding healthy habits.

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I’d fallen into a pattern of convenience foods, takeaways and mindless snacking. Food was comfort, reward, escape – followed by guilt. With Terri’s support, I started identifying my triggers instead of pretending they didn’t exist. I learned to plan ahead – checking menus before meals out and choosing an americano coffee instead of a sugary one without feeling deprived. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was ‘on a diet’. I was in control.

The biggest change was that I always stayed to group. Before, if I had a gain, I’d weigh and rush out, embarrassed. I had no idea how much I was missing. Listening to other members share their wins and struggles kept me going whenever my motivation wobbled in those early weeks. Slowly, I started sharing my experiences, too. And each time I spoke, my confidence grew.

I didn’t tell anyone I’d rejoined Slimming World, and people started asking how I’d lost the weight – expecting me to say injections or some extreme plan. I loved telling them it was just real food, support and consistency.

Discover Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising

Knowing what we’re going to be eating each week takes away the stress and stops me making last-minute unhealthy choices. Cooking has become part of family life – the kids get involved, and it feels good knowing we’re all eating nourishing food.

Slimming World Kitchen has made my meal planning even easier. After hearing other members rave about it, I gave it a try – and now it’s a staple in our house. Having three recipe-box meals each week keeps things exciting and stops us eating the same old dinners on repeat. The ‘prawn and asparagus pasta pronto’ is a firm favourite, and the ‘posh risotto with steak and mushrooms’ turned our Valentine’s date night at home into something really special.

The portions are so generous that a box for four easily feeds all five of us – often with leftovers for lunch the next day! On busy evenings after work, knowing I’ve got a healthy, delicious meal ready to cook at home has been a lifesaver.

As the weight started coming off, something else shifted – my self-belief. Exercise stopped being punishment for what I’d eaten and became something I wanted to do, especially with my new love for boxing. It makes me feel strong, capable and powerful. Just like group, it’s something that’s purely for me.

We’ll help you gradually build up your fitness through our active lifestyle programme

The biggest transformation isn’t who I see in the mirror, though, it’s how I feel. I have energy. I say yes to family days out. I jump into photos without hesitation. I laugh more… and I no longer have prediabetes! My relationship with Nick is stronger, too, because I’m happier in myself.

Joining Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight – it supported me to find myself again. And my children are getting the very best version of me.

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