I started putting on weight in my teens and it really affected my confidence. I loved swimming, but I was so self-conscious that I’d pretend to be ill to get out of school swimming lessons.

My weight continued to impact my day-to-day life throughout my 20s. My knees and back were always painful, and I could barely make it to the top of the road without getting out of breath – even walking the dog was difficult.  

I decided to join Slimming World after having my daughter, Ella. I didn’t want her to grow up without me being able to do everything with her – she was the motivation I needed to make a change. But I still needed that final push. 

When a leaflet for my local Slimming World group popped through my door, it felt like a sign. I messaged the Consultant, Kerry, and her response was so warm and friendly that it gave me the confidence to go along to her next group session. 

It was that text that began my journey. Before my first night in group, I was nervous and scared, and felt embarrassed at the idea of being judged. I blocked out those thoughts, and as soon as I walked in, I felt much better. Everyone was so lovely and kind – looking back now, it was the best decision I could’ve made. 

What to expect at your first group session

As a busy working mum, going to group has become an important part of my week. It’s where I focus on me – and I always come away feeling inspired and motivated for the week ahead. Everyone is rooting for one another, and a few of my friends have become members, too. It’s great that we can all be there for support.

Before I joined Slimming World, I thought I could do it alone. I tried to eat more healthily, but never stuck at it long enough to see results, and always ended up falling back into my old eating habits. It wasn’t until I started to understand my relationship with food better that it all clicked into place.

Make family mealtimes easy with our brand-new recipe book, Slimming World’s One-pot Magic, FREE when you join before 1st February.

I'm a big foodie, so knowing I didn’t have to stop eating the food I love (like chips and chilli) or do separate meals for Ella and my husband, Dan, was music to my ears. I began making small swaps, like cooking homemade chips in the air fryer using low-calorie cooking spray instead of oil, or buying ready-made chips. The Slimming World app has also been a game-changer for me – it’s so convenient when I’m shopping and preparing for the week ahead, and it’s my go-to for new recipes to try. Our family favourite is the Slimming World spaghetti bolognese. 

Before, we’d have at least two takeaways a week and eat out a lot – and I love that I haven’t had to completely give that up. Dan and I still enjoy the occasional takeaway, and we go out for a meal every now and then, too. Going to group each week and hearing from Kerry and the other members how they navigate eating out has helped me realise I can still enjoy a treat – like dessert – when I fancy it, without feeling guilty. The tips and advice I’ve picked up along the way have been invaluable. 

Discover six strategies to enjoy eating out while still getting a great weight loss result 

At my heaviest, I was lucky if I did 3,000 steps a day – my body just couldn’t take it. I’d also given up horse-riding because it was tricky to find the specific kind of horse that could carry my weight. 

As I started losing weight, I was able to walk further and for longer. I’ll now happily walk for miles. And I don’t need the bigger horses any more when I’m riding, which is such an amazing feeling! 

As well as being an account manager for a haulage firm, I run a rental business, which means I’m constantly on the go. Whether I’m cleaning properties or jumping up into lorries, I can do it all. I feel a lot more confident when I’m meeting new clients, too – I used to hide under baggy black clothes and comfy leggings, but not any more. I love experimenting with different outfits and wearing bright colours! 

It’s fair to say that 2024 was a big year for me... I celebrated my 30th birthday feeling the best I’d ever felt, and got married wearing my dream wedding dress. It feels so normal now, but the fact that I can run around after Ella and even go down the slide with her in the park is huge for me – it’s something I absolutely dreaded before. I can’t wait to be the mum who wins the school egg and spoon race!

Congratulations to Jess, who has been named one of Slimming World’s Icons for 2025. 

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