Slimming World: Portsmouth woman reveals her secret to losing three and a half stone in the run-up to her 50th birthday

When Vicki walked into her first Slimming World group on 2nd June 2025, she carried more than just the weight on the scales. She carried years of self‑doubt, a belief that her body was “set in its ways”, and the quiet fear that menopause had closed the door on change. She stepped onto the scales, bracing herself. “How much do you want to lose?” Three stone, she replied — though inside, she didn’t believe it was possible.

For years, Vicki had told herself a familiar story: she put on weight easily, she struggled to lose it, and coming from a large family, she assumed slimness simply wasn’t in her genes. Pre‑menopause only deepened that belief. “I honestly thought I could never do it,” she reflects.

But that first week brought a spark of hope: 3lbs off. Beginner’s luck, she thought — but something had shifted. Her mindset had finally aligned with her determination.

Earlier that year, Vicki had already begun laying the groundwork for change. She’d started HRT in February 2025, joined yet another gym in May, and watched her 14‑year‑old son head to the gym most days, reminding her of the healthy mum she wanted to be. Still, it was Slimming World that brought everything together. Within six weeks, she’d lost 1 stone 2lbs. Her clothes loosened, her confidence lifted, and for the first time in years, she felt herself returning.

A summer holiday to Ibiza tested her progress — but she came home with only a 2½lb gain, thanks to a couple of runs and a newfound sense of balance. It was proof that life and weight loss didn’t have to be at war.

Then came a pivotal moment. In September 2025, her group moved to a new venue — Portsmouth Rugby Club — and Emma became her new consultant. The connection was instant. Emma, also navigating menopause, understood the physical and emotional hurdles Vicky had been battling. “It was such a relief,” Vicki says. “Someone finally understood.”

Emma’s groups at Portsmouth Rugby Club — Mondays at 5.30pm, Thursdays at 5.30pm and 7.00pm — became Vicki’s anchor.

By the time her 50th birthday arrived in November, Vicki had already surpassed her expectations. She’d hoped for 1½ stone off by then — instead, she’d lost 2 stone 7lbs and proudly collected her 2½ stone award. Compliments flowed, and the day after her birthday, another 0.5lb came off. Suddenly, the idea of reaching 3 stone by Christmas didn’t feel far‑fetched. And on 8th December 2025, she did it.

With her confidence soaring, Emma asked if she wanted to set a new target. Vicki didn’t hesitate. New goal: 3½ stone.

Running, once a sluggish chore, began to feel different. Lighter. Enjoyable. On the last Sunday of December, she achieved a milestone she’d chased for years — her first sub‑30 5k. She slipped into a size 12, a far cry from the size 16 she’d been when she joined.

Christmas brought indulgence — and a 5½lb gain — but Vicki approached it with calm determination. Over the next five weeks, she worked it off, proving to herself that setbacks were simply part of the journey.

On 16th February 2026, she reached her target weight. Less than nine months after she’d walked into group believing she couldn’t do it.

And on 11th April 2026, she pulled on a pair of size 10 jeans — and they fit. She now weighs less than she did a decade ago.

To celebrate her transformation — and her fabulous 50s — Vicki has signed up for a trio of running events: • Southampton 10k in May • Ladies 5 Purbrook in June • Great South Run in October, her fifth time, and this year she’s aiming for her best performance yet.

Her journey is more than a story of weight loss. It’s a story of rediscovery — of strength, resilience, and the quiet power of believing in yourself again. Slimming World gave her the tools. Her consultants gave her the support. But Vicki? She gave herself her life back.

With food optimising, activity and mindset change .

If you like to feel fab go join Emma’s slimming world group and give her a call on 07359060521