Are you thinking about starting your weight loss journey? Would you love to know more about Slimming World? Some of our inspiring members share their experiences of our healthy eating plan, Food Optimising – including the support they found in group, and the life-changing weight loss results they achieved…
Natalie Chylinski
“I joined Slimming World when my baby, Walter, was five months old. At 34 weeks pregnant, I’d been told by my doctor that I shouldn’t have gained any weight during pregnancy. This absolutely shook me, and I cried for days. I made a promise to myself that I would focus on healthy eating and losing weight after my baby was born.
My Slimming World group is absolutely incredible. Everyone is so friendly and supports one another through the inevitable ups and downs. Cooking is a real passion of mine, and I like to rustle up meals that the whole family can enjoy. This was important to me when I joined – I wanted to make sure that I could still eat the same meals as everyone else. Family favourites like spag bol, curries and Sunday roasts can all stay firmly on the menu with Slimming World.
My personal goal is not a weight loss goal, instead it’s a clothing size I want to be. I’m still on my weight loss journey, but I already feel happier, healthier and have more energy than I ever did.”
Sarah Jeffery
“I’d never really been content with my weight since having children, and during lockdown, my weight just went up and up.
I’m a really fussy eater and never thought that any diet would be possible for me. But after listening to my friends (who had recently joined Slimming World) talk about their own weight loss successes and food ideas, I thought: I can do this, too!
Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, was easy to slot into my daily life – and I’m still able to still eat all my favourite foods such as chips, pizza, spaghetti bolognese, and even chocolate! I never feel like I’m missing out – I’m just making healthier choices which are now engrained for life.
Since I’ve lost weight, I’ve definitely become more confident and feel so much better in myself. I’m no longer tired, sluggish or constantly bloated.
The day I achieved my target weight was one of the best days of my life. I’d done it, and I’m so grateful to Slimming World for changing my life!”
Jane Wragg
“I’d been an on/off member of Slimming World for years, but never really committed to my journey 100%. I rejoined in January 2023 and told myself this time would be the last time – no matter how long it took, I wasn’t giving up.
My group immediately felt like a safe, positive place. Knowing that, regardless of my result on the scales, there was a fantastic group of people in the same position as me was incredibly reassuring.
I’ve always been fairly active and gone to the gym regularly. Since losing weight, I’ve found that my knees no longer hurt when doing squats and lunges. I also have more stamina and simple things like climbing stairs or running after my grandchildren are easier.
I’ve now lost 3st 10½lbs (24kg) and gone down from a size 14/16 to a size 10. I feel so much happier, and look forward to social events so much more than I ever did!”
Aimee Fearn
“The turning point for me was seeing a photo of myself at a work event. I wasn’t happy, and I joined a Slimming World group the following week.
My biggest challenge has always been eating out. It’s so easy to fall back into old habits, but I’ve learned that it’s possible to stay on plan – it’s all about making healthier choices.
The support I received in group from my Consultant and fellow members was invaluable, and is the reason I’m at my target weight today.
I no longer dread seeing photos of myself, or worry that I’ll look like the big mum in the playground. Losing weight really has changed my life and given me so much confidence!”
Claire Blythe
“I’d always been the biggest in my friend group and in every photo. My best friend was getting married and, as her Maid of Honour, I knew I couldn’t dodge the camera. I went on to lose 2st (13kg) before the wedding, and then another 2st after that to reach my target weight. Using the tips and techniques I’d picked up from being a Slimming World member, I completely changed the way I ate and socialised – I’d found the new me.
Over the last couple of years, some of the weight has slowly crept back on. In September 2024, I decided to go back to Slimming World because I knew I needed the support of the group to help me get back on track and to rediscover and re-embed those changes I know are so important.
It was so easy to snap back into that healthier way of shopping, cooking and eating, and I’ve lost a stone already. It’s such a family-friendly way of eating, too. My children can be quite fussy eaters, but they love pizza-topped chicken, hunter’s chicken lasagne and the risottos we make together. Knowing that they’re also eating healthily makes me happy – I’m setting them up for a balanced life.
It’s been so rewarding heading into Christmas feeling slimmer, wearing the clothes I never thought I’d wear again, and feeling in control. It’s all so exciting!”
Danny Colbert
“On a holiday to Lanzarote, I had the fright of my life when I was suddenly gripped by crushing chest pains. It was a relief to find that it was ‘only’ high blood pressure, rather than a heart attack, but it was still a wake-up call. I’d also been finding my regular football matches more difficult, and was worried that I’d soon be on the bench! Keen to lose weight and improve my fitness, I joined a Slimming World group.
As someone in a physical job who likes a hearty dinner, it suited me that I could have big portions of my favourite foods like pasta, and that our family dishes could easily be adapted to fit in with Food Optimising. It wasn’t long before the pounds started to come off.
I’m slimmer, fitter and healthier than I’ve been in a long time. My blood pressure’s at a healthy level and I’m moving around the football pitch much more easily, too. Thanks to Slimming World, I won’t be hanging up my football boots any time soon!”
