Woman's inspirational journey where she not only lost weight - but also rediscovered herself after heartache

I’ve struggled with my weight since my early 20s, trying countless diets over the years without long-term success. That all changed in 2017 when I discovered Slimming World. I reached my target weight and, for four years, I managed to maintain it. I finally felt in control. Then COVID hit—and my life was turned upside down.

My husband’s health deteriorated suddenly and rapidly, and he had to go into nursing care. At the same time, lockdown meant I was living alone for the first time in my life, with very little contact with anyone. I felt desperately sad and incredibly lonely. I turned to comfort eating as a way of coping.

In October 2023, my husband’s condition worsened further, and he sadly passed away after his battle with dementia. My already fragile mental health declined even more. Grief took over everything. I stopped caring about how I looked or how much weight I gained. I gave up cooking and relied heavily on junk food just to get through each day.

By the beginning of 2025, my health had reached its lowest point. I was exhausted all the time, struggling to sleep, and I knew something had to change.

I found my old Slimming World books and decided to try again on my own. I managed to lose 10lb, but progress was slow. In May 2025, I made the decision to rejoin my local group—and that’s when everything changed.

The support from Christine, my consultant and the other members made such a difference. Week by week, I started to lose weight consistently. I felt encouraged, understood, and no longer alone. Just four months later, in September 2025, after losing a further 2 stone , I reached my target weight again.

Since then, I’ve been on six holidays—including three two-week all-inclusive trips—and I’ve stayed within my target every single time. I’ve even managed to lose weight while on holiday.

Now, at 57, I feel fitter and healthier than I have in years.

I no longer see this as being “on a diet.” I’ve realised that only a true lifestyle change will help me maintain my weight long term. Staying in group is so important to me—it’s more than just weight loss, it’s a community that has genuinely changed my life.

No matter what challenges life throws at me now, I feel stronger. I feel in control. And most importantly, I know I won’t go back to comfort or binge eating.

This journey has been about so much more than losing weight. It’s been about finding myself again.