A WOMAN who says she was ‘always the ‘fat friend’’ has transformed her health, confidence and outlook on life after losing an incredible five-and-a-half stone with Slimming World.
Now Natalie is looking forward to walking down the aisle in her dream wedding dress.
Frustration at fashion rails and shopping websites drove her to first join the Tuesday group at Hadfield Cricket Club.
Now four years later, the results are there for all to see,
She said: “Have you ever gone into a shop, fallen in love with a dress, and then realised they don’t stock your size? Or scrolled down a website to find the ‘plus size section’ hidden at the bottom like it’s something to be ashamed of?
“I was always the ‘fat friend’. People would say, ‘Oh, you’re still photogenic’ – but all I heard was that I was overweight.”
Natalie initially joined Slimming World in 2021 after the Covid-19 lockdowns, but admits her heart was not fully in it at first.
A turning point came in 2023, when her boyfriend proposed during a trip to New York. With her wedding ahead, she made a bold decision – ordering her dress two sizes smaller as motivation.
From there, her determination soared. She re-joined Slimming World, signed up at the gym, hired a personal trainer and has not looked back since.
“Once I started to see my body changing and my clothes getting looser, it gave me even more motivation,” Natalie added.
“Now I feel healthier, constantly motivated, and a million times happier in my own skin. I don’t feel like the ‘fat friend’ anymore – I feel like I glow with confidence.”
The changes have not just been about the scales.
Natalie says she now enjoys theme parks with her son without worrying about fitting in the rides, has climbed Snowdon with her family without struggle and no longer suffers from the aches and pains that came with carrying extra weight.
Her success has been fuelled by the support of her Slimming World group, family and friends.
She added: “I get so excited for weigh day every Tuesday because I can’t wait to see what I’ve achieved.
“The support from group is fab and so inspiring.”
Favourite meals such as Diet Coke chicken, smoky chicken tray bake, and bangers and mash with carrot gravy keep her food plan varied and enjoyable.
Natalie says Slimming World has given her the tools and confidence to take back control of her life – and her message to anyone thinking about joining is simple.
She said: “Just do it! You won’t regret it.
“There are millions of recipes, the food is fantastic, and the support is second to none. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling like a million dollars too.”
With her wedding set for September 2026, Natalie is now counting down the days until she walks down the aisle in the dress she once thought was out of reach – living proof of how determination, support and self-belief can change everything.
Slimming world Hadfield takes place every Tuesday: 8am 10.30am 5pm and 7pm
Find your local Slimming World group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk
