My weight struggles began in my early twenties. Life became busier and, for the first time, I had my own income. Takeaways, meals out and convenience foods quickly became regular habits.  

I underwent a hysterectomy at 37 due to endometriosis and, looking back, I believe that’s when my menopause journey began. At first, though, I didn’t realise what was happening. As symptoms like brain fog, low mood and fatigue crept in, I put them down to the pressures of everyday life rather than menopause. 

Then, in November 2020, my dad passed away. Just two weeks later, I got married. It was an incredibly emotional time. What should have been one of the happiest moments of my life was overshadowed by grief, and I found myself carrying a complicated mix of sadness, stress and overwhelm. 

At the same time, I worked as a school cook during the pandemic. I was often on my own, preparing meals for the children of key workers. Like so many people, I was simply trying to get through each day. Looking back now, I can see that grief, menopause and isolation affected me a lot. 

My weight continued to creep up, and I stopped looking after myself. I relied on convenience foods, takeaways and comfort eating, while my physical and emotional wellbeing slipped further down my list of priorities.

The extra weight took a real toll on my body. My knees hurt constantly and even short walks felt difficult. Exercise seemed completely out of reach because everyday life was already exhausting enough. 

Menopause affected me in ways I hadn’t expected. Of course, there were the hot flushes and weight gain, but what shook me most was how unlike myself I felt. I struggled with brain fog and would walk into a room only to forget why I’d gone there. I’d always been organised and on top of everything, so suddenly not being able to trust my memory was unsettling. It felt as though I’d lost a little bit of the person I’d always been. 

Menopause and weight – read more

Slimming World had helped me before, so I decided to go back to my local group. What’s surprising is that, despite being a naturally confident person, it still took me three weeks to build up the courage to walk through the door. 

As soon as I arrived, though, my Consultant, Lacey, put me at ease. Being part of a Slimming World group gave me so much more than a weight loss plan. It gave me support, accountability and people who genuinely understood what I was going through. 

The encouragement from my fellow members was invaluable and, in my first month, I lost 9lbs (4.1kg). I was absolutely thrilled. More importantly, it gave me hope. For the first time in a long while, I felt like success was possible. 

I started planning ahead and batch cooking every weekend, which made a huge difference in helping me stay on track. Gradually, I became more active, too. Seeing other members enjoying exercise inspired me, although I always made sure to build things up at my own pace. 

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My husband, Jamie, has been there through it all. In June 2024 he joined Slimming World to focus on his own health. Having someone at home who understood exactly what I was trying to achieve made a huge difference, especially on the days when motivation was harder to find. 

Since losing 5st (31.8kg), life feels very different. The aches and pains that used to dominate my days have eased dramatically. I have more energy and I’m much more active than I was before.
 
These days, I enjoy long walks by the sea and cycling with Jamie, and I’m even thinking about taking up tennis again (something I loved years ago!). 

But the biggest change is the time I spend with my granddaughter, Margo. She’s two years old and full of energy. We race around soft play, head to the park together and fly down slides side by side. Being able to get down on the floor with her and get back up again without struggling is a huge victory.  

Those everyday moments are the ones I treasure most. If I were still carrying five extra stones, I simply wouldn’t be able to enjoy those priceless experiences in the same way. 

And the great news is that by making healthier lifestyle changes and losing weight, my menopause symptoms have improved enormously. I feel so much more in control again. 

I think a lot of women worry that once they reach menopause, losing weight just isn’t possible. For me, the biggest lessons have been that it is possible, and that it’s much easier when you aren’t trying to go it alone.

My experience inspired me to become a Slimming World Consultant myself. 

Today, I run three Slimming World groups in the Portsmouth area, and use my journey to help others – especially women navigating the menopause. Many ladies seek me out because they recognise themselves in my story. 

I always tell them the same thing: ‘I’ve been where you are. I understand how tough it can feel. But you’re not alone.’ 

For me, the turning point wasn’t discovering a miracle solution. It was finding support, believing in myself again and taking things one step at a time. 

Would you love to help change lives as a Slimming World Consultant like Emma? Fill out our enquiry form to find out more!

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