It was my son, Ollie, who motivated me to make a change. When he was three months old, I went to soft play – and when I saw other mums with their toddlers, I realised I’d struggle to keep up once he reached that stage. The very next morning at 9am, I joined my local Slimming World group. 

Find your nearest group

As someone with type 1 diabetes, I was delighted to discover that Slimming World’s healthy eating plan fitted perfectly with my healthcare team’s dietary advice. I threw myself into cooking delicious, filling meals like pad Thai, katsu curry and baked chicken and leek risotto. 

Being a busy mum, I also love the Slimming World Kitchen recipe boxes. Getting everything I need to make tasty, slimming-friendly dinners delivered to my door is a godsend! 

My diabetes meant that being overweight could have serious health implications, which I knew worried my husband, James – especially after I needed to have Ollie via C-section due to the risks to him and me. While type 1 diabetes can’t be reversed (I’ll always be on medication), losing weight has helped to keep my blood glucose levels stable. My hospital consultant was thrilled when I went back for my most recent review!

We’ve partnered with Diabetes UK to make our support for members living with the condition even stronger. Find out more here.

As Ollie started to move around more, so did I! We now attend a weekly toddler class with loads of movement and dancing, and we also love going on cycle rides as a family (with Ollie sitting in the bike trailer behind me or James). There are plenty of trips to soft play now, too, and I can easily join in – and make memories with Ollie that are full of joy and energy.

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