I was completely unprepared for how the menopause affected me. It hit me like a lightning bolt and turned my life upside down. I suddenly felt like I was invisible to the world, my brain was foggy and I was constantly exhausted. The hot flushes and night sweats were relentless – my bedding was never out of the wash.
The effect on my confidence was startling. At my lowest point, I’d walk into meeting rooms at work with my head down and try my best to blend into the background.
Save... and supercharge your weight loss!
Join Slimming World and get three recipe books (worth up to £14.85/€23.85)! Offer ends 1st November 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Find out more here.
A different approach
Although I’d tried losing weight before, I was determined to make lasting changes this time. I’d heard about weight loss drugs, but I wanted to focus on feeling better through healthy food, proper nutrition and regular exercise. I needed support to create habits I could maintain in the long term – not just a quick fix. I found my local Slimming World group and my husband, Ian, agreed to join with me.
I went on to lose 5lbs (2.2kg) that first week! It was a real lightbulb moment for me: I knew that with the right help, I could do it.
I’d struggled with my weight since I stopped competitive swimming in my late teens. I kept eating large portions and, without the exercise to balance it out, the weight crept on. By my early 20s, I was wearing size 20 clothes and had accepted being the ‘larger than life’ friend (even though I felt anything but). My knees and hips ached constantly, and I spent eight months on crutches after surgery to repair cartilage damage. I was also on medication for high blood pressure – any strenuous activity triggered terrifying heart palpitations.
My lowest point came in December 2023 when my dad passed away. I was devastated. Looking back, I can’t believe my body carried all that extra weight through such a tough time.
We surveyed 2,472 members who were either experiencing perimenopause or had already gone through menopause – 79% successfully lost weight with Slimming World during this time.
Feeling supported
In 2024, Ian and I made a spontaneous decision to get married, and we had our dream Mamma Mia-style wedding in a whitewashed chapel on a tiny private island in Kos. I felt amazing in my dress!
I’d always hoped for a family of my own. After several rounds of fertility treatment, though, it wasn’t meant to be. I had no diagnosed conditions, but being significantly overweight may have affected my chances. I feel incredibly lucky to have three amazing stepchildren through Ian. He’s been by my side on every step of our Slimming World journey – and together, we’ve lost 12st (76.2kg)!
Since joining Slimming World, I’ve learnt that I need the encouragement of other people to keep me focused. I love my fellow members – we support each other in person every week, and also via our Facebook group.
The 14-letter word that was key...
I realised I needed the accountability of going to group each week. My Consultant, Vicky, is amazing at keeping me on track – she invests so much time and energy in everyone. It feels as though achieving my target weight isn’t just a success for me, but for Vicky and the whole group, too! And that helps so much with my motivation to keep going.
My dad would be so proud of what I’ve achieved and how much healthier I am today. I’ve gone from a size 20 to a size 10 and I’m much fitter, too. In the spring of 2025, I climbed the summit of Catbells in the Lake District, ticking off a lifelong dream of mine.
Now, I walk into meeting rooms at work with my head held high! I stake my place and feel strong and empowered.
Taking control of my health – with the support of my Slimming World group – has helped me feel like myself during the menopause. And best of all, I feel ‘seen’ again.
Slimming World support during the menopause
We have some great tools available for our members during this time, including:
a full list of recommended foods with additional advice on managing the menopause through diet and exercise
a special 7-day menu to help support their health and manage symptoms
an exclusive just-for-members menopause podcast episode
Join us today to unlock our full weight loss tool kit and tailored support.
Nicola’s day on a plate
Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | Nothing. | Overnight oats with plenty of fruit and fat-free yogurt, or a Food Optimised cooked breakfast (most of it done in the air fryer). |
Lunch | Fast-food chicken nuggets with crisps, or a supermarket frozen pizza. | Smoked salmon or lean meat salad and a homemade low-fat dressing. |
Dinner | A takeaway pizza, or a creamy curry (with Persian fried rice, poppadoms and pickles). Or a homemade lasagne (made using rich béchamel sauce and full-fat mince) with cheesy garlic bread. | Slimming World roast chicken dinner with fresh vegetables and homemade gravy. |
Dessert | Ice cream or a sharing bar of chocolate. | Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries with fat-free yogurt. |
Snacks and drinks | A glass or two of wine every evening with crisps. | Fruit, high-fibre cereal bars, decaf coffee, gin and slimline tonic. |
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.