I never imagined I’d reach a point where I barely recognised myself, but at 16st (101.6kg) that’s exactly where I was – mentally, physically and emotionally struggling. I had prediabetes, my confidence had vanished, and I avoided cameras so much that I barely appeared in photos with my own children.
Growing up, my relationship with food was always difficult. As a teenager I skipped meals, convinced a ‘quick fix’ would solve everything. In my early 20s, I threw myself into exhausting routines – logging every calorie, going to the gym twice a day. Although the weight came off, my obsession with food became unhealthy and I was miserable.
When I met my husband, Dan, in 2015, life felt exciting again. We loved eating out, trying new restaurants, and enjoying cocktails and indulgent meals. I was a good cook at home, too – but my generous portions were loaded with oil, cream and cheese. Slowly, my weight crept up.
Long days at the office didn’t help. I’d grab sugary coffees and pastries on my way into work, then hit the vending machine for chocolate and crisps later. I was always the first to suggest after-work drinks or an Indian.
Eating felt sociable, comforting – but deep down, I knew I was living to excess.
By the time we got married in 2018, I weighed 14st (88.9kg). I should have felt beautiful and confident on our big day… but I didn’t. I hid my arms under a shawl and tried to avoid the photographer altogether. I didn’t feel like the bride I’d dreamed of being.
After our wedding, Dan and I were desperate to start a family. Falling pregnant felt magical – but when I miscarried just weeks later, our world shattered. Then it happened a second time. I couldn’t shake the fear that my weight was working against me. I felt like my body was failing me in every possible way and, once again, I turned to food for comfort.
In 2019, I fell pregnant a third time. It was a stressful pregnancy, and because of my weight I was classed as high risk. Against all odds, our son, Finlay, arrived in 2020, healthy and perfect. I loved him fiercely… but I still hated having my photo taken with him.
My body shame overshadowed so many precious moments.
We suffered another miscarriage soon after. My mobility got worse, my tests showed prediabetes, and in desperation I added myself to the waiting list for weight loss injections. I was told it would be at least a year to wait, but it felt like my last hope.
Then, in April 2022, everything changed. I found out I was pregnant again – our fifth pregnancy. I was heavier than ever at 18st 11lbs (114.3kg), but as I stared at that positive test, something inside me shifted. I knew I had to lose weight to give my baby the best chance.
I joined Slimming World that same week. And from day one, something felt different. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t ‘dieting’. I was changing my mindset. I wasn’t starving myself or punishing myself – I was nourishing my body. Even while pregnant, I gently and safely lost weight, and at every check-up my midwife was amazed. ‘You’re no longer in the high-risk category,’ she told me. I could have cried with relief.
By the time our second son, Fraser, was born in 2023, I felt hopeful for the first time in years. I went along to my Slimming World group in Stockport, babies in tow, and week by week the pounds melted away. I rediscovered cooking – this time using healthy swaps and Slimming World recipes. Our whole family started eating well together.
At around 3st (19kg) down, I received a letter saying it was finally my turn for the weight loss jabs. I called the pharmacy, smiling from ear to ear, and said: ‘Thank you, but I don’t need them any more.’ In fact, I didn’t even qualify for them. That moment felt like a victory.
Today, I’ve lost 6st 12lbs (43.5kg). I run around with my boys. I take photos proudly, even selfies! I look in the mirror and actually love the woman looking back at me. I feel like myself again – the woman Dan fell in love with – and I’m the mum I always wanted to be.
The biggest change of all wasn’t the number on the scales – it was my mindset. I learned to stop seeing weight loss as a race and start seeing it as a journey. I learned to be kind to myself, to be patient, and to celebrate every small win. Dan joined me, losing 3st (19kg) himself, and together we’re setting a healthy example to our sons.
My most recent health checks show everything is normal – no prediabetes, no mobility issues. And I have no fear when I step on the scales or look in the mirror.
Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight. It helped me find myself again, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Do you need weight loss support? Come along to group and discover how we can help you feel amazing like Martha. We’d love to welcome you and help you achieve your healthy goals.
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose