Kay is an Inspiration to the Group

Published on 16 November 2025 at 13:49

What was the final straw that made you decide to join Slimming World?

This is actually my second time on Slimming World. I was close to my target in 2013 when I found out I was pregnant, a complete shock, as I have PCOS and had been told more than once that I wouldn’t be able to conceive naturally. Life took over after my son was born. I turned to comfort eating while navigating the emotional toll of placing my mum in a care home due to her worsening dementia. I lost my dad in 2018 and then my mum in 2019. Then came Covid.

In January 2022, I caught Covid, which severely affected my lungs. I was on three inhalers and steroids, off work for nearly three months, and even basic tasks like getting dressed left me exhausted. When we finally made it to the long-postponed Harry Potter Studio tour, my husband had to push me in a wheelchair.

By March, I could only manage short walks with my sister’s new rescue puppy, resting on every park bench. I returned to work part-time in April, still battling fatigue and brain fog. Then came more health scares: a breast lump (thankfully benign), collapsing from a hypertensive crisis, and a diagnosis of non-alcoholic liver failure and colitis. I remember telling the doctors, “Please stop finding things!”

By early 2023, I knew I had to take control. A Slimming World leaflet arrived with details of a Saturday group, perfect for me. It still took a few weeks to build the courage, but on 18th March 2023, I walked through those doors. I was welcomed warmly, and my consultant Ali made me feel safe. I even asked her not to write my weight in the book at first, I couldn’t face it. It wasn’t until September that I was ready to see how far I had to go.

What do you love about Food Optimising?

It’s simple, sustainable, and doesn’t feel like a diet. I’ve tried calorie counting and felt constantly hungry with little to show for it. With Slimming World, I eat real food, fruit, veg, hearty meals and still lose weight. People are often surprised by what I can eat and still make progress.

What can you do now that you couldn’t before?

So much! I’ve returned to running, something I hadn’t done since being three months pregnant. I joined the Netley Abbey Runners’ C25K programme in January 2024 and graduated in March. Since then, I’ve completed the Race for Life, the Air Ambulance 5K Dash in the Dark, and my first 10K in January 2025. I’ve completed loads of races this year and signed up for more races next year.

I can wear my wedding rings again after losing 5 stone. I’ve taken up kayaking with my son, tackled GoApe (three courses this summer!), and go on long walks without needing to stop every five minutes. No one asks if I need a rest anymore and that’s a huge win.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

Facing the number on the scales and being honest with others. I’ve learned to say, “I’m doing Slimming World,” when offered cake or chocolate, and explain why. I’ve also had to adjust to my changing body, reminding myself not to reach for my old clothing sizes. Oh, and I’m going through the menopause too because why not?

What’s your favourite meal?

I love so many! One favourite is porridge with vanilla chocolate sprinkle Muller Light and fresh fruit. For comfort, I go for Slimming World’s Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese with baked beans, SW chips, and a big salad.

Do your family enjoy the meals too?

My husband has embraced it, he’s cooked loads from the Slimming World cookbook and especially loves the mushroom rigatoni. Our ten-year-old is a bit fussier, but he did enjoy the blueberry and white chocolate flapcake bites. We also love the convenience of the Slimming World Kitchen meal kits.

Did being overweight affect your health?

Absolutely. I couldn’t keep up with my son, and after everything that happened in 2022, I knew I had to change. Since losing 7 stone, I’ve had more energy, fewer illnesses, and no longer need constant naps. I want to be here for my son and that’s my biggest motivation.

Any final thoughts or advice?

Stay to group. Image Therapy is a powerful tool, it keeps you accountable and supported. Everyone’s are on their own journey, but we’re stronger together.