Over the years, I’ve tried countless ways to lose weight – fad diets, detoxes, quick fixes… you name it, I’ve probably given it a go. My weight took a toll on me physically – it drained my energy and gave me a bad back and knees – but I struggled emotionally the most. I didn’t want to put myself in certain situations as I’d feel so self-conscious.

Despite this, my weight had to take a back seat as my husband, Jonathan, and I began the physically and mentally exhausting process of fertility treatment. Sadly, each round was unsuccessful. As much as we tried to suppress our hopes and dreams of a happy outcome, each time we couldn’t help but think, maybe this time we’ll be lucky… only to then be crushed by disappointment again. It took its toll on me and the way I felt about myself and my body.

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid (which is often associated with weight gain), while also being treated for fibroids and endometriosis – both painful conditions. On top of all that, my medical team had advised me against doing any strenuous exercise during fertility treatment. And as someone who used to love running marathons, I found being less active really difficult.

After everything we’d been through, Jonathan and I felt it was time to recharge a little, so we treated ourselves to a Mediterranean cruise – a chance to unwind and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.

We had a fantastic time, making the most of all the food and drink on offer, but those happy memories soon faded when I looked at our holiday photos. The sleeveless maxi dress that I thought was flattering on me just didn’t look right. I didn’t recognise who I’d become.

I realised I didn’t just want to lose weight, I wanted to feel better – both physically and emotionally. I wanted to take back control of my life, feel confident again and be proud of the person I saw in the mirror.

Back home, I spotted an ad for a Slimming World group close by and, remembering how I’d felt in that dress, I thought I’d give it a go. I had no idea at that point what a difference that group of people would make to my life.

My Consultant, Lauren, gave me such a warm welcome, and I felt excited to get started. When I got home, I read through the Food Optimising book to help me plan the week ahead. I stuck to simple meals to start with, like salmon or chicken served with rice, pasta or new potatoes and plenty of veg. In my first few weeks, I was thrilled to lose 7½lbs. I waved my shiny new ½st certificate at Jonathan and said, ‘I can’t believe it! I’ve been eating so much food!’.

Family lunches have always been special for me. When I was nine, my brother, Leslie, and I moved to the UK from our native Ghana. Our dad, Wilfred, was anxious that we stayed connected to our West African heritage, so he made sure that our traditional recipes stayed on the menu whenever we came together for big family lunches. 

Encouraged by my new Food Optimising knowledge, I set about adapting my family’s traditional Ghanaian dishes – starting with black-eyed bean stew. I swapped out the corned beef for lean beef mince, and cooked the plantain in the air fryer with a spritz of low-calorie cooking spray. I thought that would prove controversial with Dad, so I had to laugh when he said, ‘I’ve started doing my plantain in the air fryer as well – you can’t even tell the difference!’ 

Alongside all the healthy meals I was enjoying, I began to get moving again. I’d always thought exercise needed to be strenuous to be worth it, but as I gradually worked my way through the Body Magic awards, I realised it’s about feeling stronger, more energised, and proud of what my body can do. I didn’t have to run marathons to be fit and healthy and began going for long walks in the countryside at weekends. I discovered Pilates, too, and enjoyed it so much I started going up to four times a week, loving how toned it made me.

We’ll support you to get fitter at your own pace with our physical activity support programme

As the pounds came off, I felt a physical and mental load lifting. I’d always been my own worst critic and could be really hard on myself if I didn’t achieve my goals. Making the most of all the brilliant group support each week helped me to understand how harshly I’d been judging myself, especially during our fertility struggles, and how a mistaken sense of failure and blame had affected my mental health. These days, sharing my journey with my new friends in such a supportive environment has helped me to be kinder to myself – and to celebrate the small victories.

Watch what happens in a Slimming World group

Losing 2st 6lbs (15.4kg) has made a real difference to my quality of life. I’ve had an operation to remove the fibroids and, although I haven’t had any treatment for the endometriosis, the flare-ups have become less frequent and the pain has been much more manageable. 

I used to think losing weight was just about willpower or finding the ‘perfect’ diet, but I’ve come to realise it’s so much more than that. It’s about understanding my relationship with food, addressing emotional triggers and building healthier habits. Slimming World has completely changed my mindset and given me a renewed sense of hope and positivity. Jonathan and I haven’t given up on our dream of having our own family, and I know that whatever lies ahead on our journey through life together, I’m ready for it.

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