Slimming World: I never imagined just how much my life would change in a year
At the beginning of 2025, I was at my lowest point, writes Slimming World group member Alison. After a cancer operation, my weight had become erratic and my health really suffered. My asthma worsened, my arthritis became painful, and I struggled with even the simplest things. My recovery from chemotherapy was slower because of my weight, and I knew something had to change.
More than anything, I wanted to be able to keep up with my three young nieces and nephews and start living life again.
Joining Slimming World was a turning point for me.
One of the biggest surprises has been the food. I always thought losing weight meant going without, but I’ve found the complete opposite. I love that there are so many foods I can still enjoy, and switching to healthier meals and plenty of fruit has completely changed my mindset. It’s made eating enjoyable again. I follow the plan with my Healthy Extras and Swips each day, and one of my favourite meals has to be a jacket potato with cheese, baked beans and salad—simple, filling, and satisfying.
When I first started, I was spending most of my time at home and had very little confidence. Going to group felt like a huge step, but I pushed myself to attend and stay. Slowly but surely, things began to change. As my confidence grew, I started to feel like myself again. My energy levels improved, and I found myself doing more without even realising it.
Now, I walk for 30 minutes a day, six days a week, and I’m currently walking around 2km daily — with plenty of room to improve. Before cancer, I was very active, but afterwards I really struggled to move. Being able to walk again like this feels like such an achievement.
The changes to my health have been incredible. My asthma is now back under control, my arthritis pain has reduced with regular exercise, and my energy levels are continuing to improve. But just as importantly, my confidence is back.
Over the past year, I’ve lost 1 stone 5½ pounds, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. I was voted our group’s Icon 2025 and this made me so happy and very emotional . A year ago, after major surgery and time in hospital, I felt seriously unwell and unsure of what the future held. Now, I feel like I’m getting my life back.
Slimming World hasn’t just helped me lose weight—it’s helped me rebuild my life. I feel capable of living normally again, and that means everything to me.
Alison attends Lacey Moth’s Slimming World group on a Tuesday, at 5.30pm at North End Baptist Church. Lacey is opening a new Slimming World group at Fratton Community Centre on Tuesday, April 14. This group will be held at 9.30am every Tuesday.