SLIMMING World member Jackie Warburton is celebrating a life-changing three-stone weight loss in just over 12 months.
Jackie joined the Audenshaw group with consultant Jane Sigley in March 2023 after her self-esteem hit a low and she decided to do something about it.
And with a change in attitude, diet and routine, it only took her until May this year to reach her target weight.
Jackie explained: “What made me join was my continual battle with myself every morning when getting dressed.
“And I used to drive to work arguing with myself. Bad won out every time. I really did not like myself, which meant I had no self-esteem at all.
“Then one day I had had enough. It was like a light bulb moment. I decided on the way to work to find a group, commit and tell all around me my intentions.
“Walking in was nerve-wrecking but everyone was fantastic. By the time group was over I knew without a doubt I would love going and would be able to follow the plan.
“The health benefits have been huge. I was struggling to walk far without my hips hurting (sciatica), walking dogs was a chore, and I had high blood pressure and cholesterol.
“Once I lost two stone I could walk for miles with no pain at the time or after, my blood pressure tablets have been reduced and cholesterol is normal.
“Now at a three-stone loss, I have no pain at all, my clothes are down from size 14/16 to 10, and I love the recipe books.
“I still love the group, they are a lovely bunch of people and I really feel joining changed me for the better.
“Before I started group I was eating fast food for lunch most days, fooling myself it was ok as I hadn’t had breakfast.
“My weight was creeping up and up and I would find myself getting deeper and deeper into self-hate, which made me hide away from social events and any sign of a camera.
“I just didn’t know how to stop the cycle. I had joined many slimming clubs over the last 25 years and lost weight but only for a short time and not much weight.
“I had my 40th and 50th feeling dreadful so this year I am 60, and on the same day 40 years married, and for the first time in years will feel amazing and be in all the pictures.
“Absolutely a must is staying to group, listening to all the ups and downs, the tips, the ideas and the struggles of others so you know you’re not in this alone.
“As the weight came off slowly, I did get a bit frustrated but sitting in group I realised that’s ok and it’s not a race.
“When I got each award I was elated. Getting to two stone loss coincided with a holiday and I was very emotional when I got it as I had just had my blood pressure tablets reduced and it felt amazing.
“On holiday my hubby would tell anyone he got talking to that I had lost two stone. He was so proud he bought be a huge bunch of flowers and a card.
“Getting the final loss I was shell-shocked as I just never thought I would see the day I felt like this and my hubby and family are so proud.
“All the wins make the journey worth every second and I really believe I can keep it off continuing with the optimising and going to group.”
Consultant Jane said: “Jackie is a huge part of the group. She is so focused and determined and is so encouraging to others. You can see her light up when a fellow member – her now friends – have done well.
“She’s great with advice and although she struggled with the last few pounds, she was determined to get there and she did!
“A massive cheer was given when she reached her target. Audenshaw members are so very proud of her and of course so was I.”
- Slimming World weight loss organisation was founded in 1969 and caters for men and women of all ages. Find out more and see your local groups online: www.slimmingworld.co.uk