I’m a proud mum of three (plus two wonderful stepchildren), and for years I put everyone else first – my children, my family, the day-to-day chaos. Somewhere along the way, I lost myself.
My weight had crept up after I had my second baby, Evan, during lockdown – I went from 13st (82.5kg) to nearly 17st (108kg) in what felt like no time. I was living with constant back pain that left me desperate for relief. My GP prescribed weight loss pills, but they did absolutely nothing.
Diets were worse: restrictive, miserable, and impossible to stick to. I’d last a couple of days, feel like a failure and give up. Eventually, I resigned myself to the idea that this was just how I’d always be. Deep down, though, I knew something had to change.
I’d been conscious of my weight for as long as I could remember. As a child I did ballet, and I once begged my mum to buy the DVD of one of our shows so I could see myself perform. When my part came on and she pointed me out, I burst into tears and said, ‘I don’t want to be the fat one!’. That insecurity stayed with me for years.
Watching my grandma, Joan, transform her life with Slimming World inspired me, and one day I decided to go along to her evening group with her. I’d expected the room to be full of older people, yet I was amazed to find other young parents there, as well as men and women of all ages.
Life turned around
In my very first week, I lost 8lbs (3.6kg). I remember stepping on the scales and thinking, ‘This can’t be right!’. For the first time, losing weight felt doable. I wasn’t starving hungry. I wasn’t cutting out the foods I loved. I was learning how to eat in a way that actually worked for real life. Week by week, the weight came off.
Before Slimming World, I avoided leaving the house because I didn’t want to be seen. I felt embarrassed about my size and uncomfortable in my own skin. I was exhausted, mentally drained and in pain. Now, I genuinely get excited for my Thursdays at group. It’s my favourite day of the week. I really look forward to seeing everyone – it feels like my time.
That sense of community has been life-changing. I bump into group members when I’m out and feel like I truly belong.
My relationship with food has completely changed, too. We used to rely on takeaways – it was easy, especially with young children. Now I cook healthy versions of the meals we love: things like Szechuan chicken, pizza, doner kebabs…
I get loads of inspiration from TikTok and adapt recipes to use less oil and smarter ingredients. People think healthy eating is expensive, but a takeaway can easily cost £30 and it only feeds you once. Slimming World has taught me how to eat well, enjoy food and keep it affordable – habits I’ll carry for life.
No jabs needed…
A lot of people assume I’ve lost weight using injections, and they’re shocked when I say I haven’t. I lost weight just as quickly by making changes to the way I ate.
If I hadn’t discovered Slimming World, I probably would have tried weight loss jabs – but I’ve seen friends struggle with side effects and miss out socially because they can’t enjoy meals with their families. Some people may need them, but Slimming World has given me something far more valuable: knowledge, confidence and a plan I can stick to long term.
And the changes go far beyond food. Now I walk regularly with my sister Rhiannon, the kids and the dogs. I’ve gone from avoiding exercise to running alongside Evan as he learns to ride his bike. My back pain has almost disappeared. I don’t get out of breath walking up the stairs. I feel strong, capable and present in my children’s lives.
Different in every way
I wore a bikini on holiday for the first time ever – a year ago, that would have been my worst nightmare. Now, I look back at the woman I was and wish I could tell her: ‘You’re about to make one of the best decisions of your life. It will change everything – and it’ll be easier than you think. In one year, you’ll be more than 6st lighter, happier than ever, and finally proud of yourself.’
Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight – it helped me find myself again. That’s why I’m now a Slimming World Consultant, running my own groups in Leeds. I’ve felt the power of support, understanding and community, and I want other people to experience that, too.
On the school run, people know me as ‘the Slimming World lady’ and stop to chat. Talking to people used to be way outside my comfort zone – I’m still quite shy – but pushing myself has made so many other parts of my life easier. I even stood up and spoke at my sister’s baby shower. A year ago, that would have terrified me!
If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘Nothing works for me’, please know this: I was you. And if Slimming World can change my life, it can change yours, too.
Watch Eleanor talk about her journey...
Eleanor’s story reflects a wider trend among young Slimming World members
Research* involving more than 3,200 adults aged 18-34 shows members are not only losing weight (an average of 2st 1lb/13.1kg), but also gaining confidence, improving mental wellbeing and building healthier relationships with food.
At a time when younger adults face the greatest risk of future weight gain – global studies predict that one in three children, teens and young adults could be living with overweight or obesity by 2050** – Slimming World’s supportive groups are helping members create healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Carolyn Pallister, registered dietitian and head of nutrition, research and health at Slimming World, says: ‘Our research shows that being part of a supportive group doesn’t just help you lose weight – it helps you change your life.
‘Long-term success comes from building healthy habits, and each week in our groups you’ll find practical tools, expert knowledge and compassionate support to help make those changes stick. As a result, members grow in confidence, form lasting friendships and discover a sense of belonging that makes all the difference. It’s this connection that helps people feel stronger, happier, and ready to embrace a healthier future.’
Are you interested in joining us and getting your dream weight loss result? Explore two great ways to join here.
*A self-selecting sample of 3,262 Slimming World members aged 18-34 were polled between 6th and 20th February 2025.
**Global, regional, and national prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity, 1990-2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 – The Lancet.
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.