A WOMAN who lost more than four stone says her weight-loss journey has helped her “find myself again” and rediscover a confidence she thought she had lost.
Kayleigh, who attends a Slimming World group at Hadfield Cricket Club, is now close to reaching her target weight after making changes to the way she eats and approaching her health and wellbeing differently.
But for Kayleigh, the biggest transformation has not been the number on the scales.
“When I first joined Slimming World, I hoped for change but I never imagined just how much my life would transform,” she said.
“Today, I’m nearly at my target weight and have lost over four stone, but the biggest change isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s the way I look at myself. It’s the way I feel when I wake up. It’s the way I’ve finally started recognising the person in the mirror as me again.”
Kayleigh said she had reached a point where she was unhappy with how she felt about herself and wanted to regain her confidence.
“I joined because I was tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin,” she said. “I didn’t want to look at myself and feel disgust anymore. I wanted confidence, pride, and comfort – not just in my clothes, but in who I am.”
Slimming World support
She credits the support she has received from consultant Jane Sigley, as well as fellow members of her group, with helping her stay on track.
Jane has also praised Kayleigh, describing her as “absolutely gorgeous” and someone who has become an important part of the group.
“Kayleigh has often stepped in and helped with running group when I have been on holiday,” Jane said. “Kayleigh has loads of great ideas, when she is focussed she loses such a good amount and like many of us has her struggles and a busy lifestyle to maneouvre so super proud of you Kayleigh.”
For Kayleigh, having someone in her corner has made a huge difference.
“Her encouragement, her kindness, and her belief in me have made every step feel achievable,” she said. “She never judged – she supported. She celebrated every loss, helped me through every wobble, and reminded me that I was capable even when I doubted myself.”
‘I look at myself and see strength’
Food has also become a much more enjoyable part of Kayleigh’s routine.
She says using the Slimming World app has helped her plan meals, discover new recipes and find healthier versions of dishes she already enjoyed.
“I’ve loved experimenting with new foods, trying recipes I never would’ve thought of before, and discovering healthier versions of meals I already loved,” she said.
“Cooking has become exciting instead of stressful. I’m enjoying food again without guilt, without confusion, and without feeling like I’m missing out.”
Along the way, Kayleigh has also found friendship and encouragement among the people attending her group.
She describes the group as a community where members can share their experiences, celebrate successes and support each other through the difficult days.
“I walked in hoping to lose weight; I walked out with a support network I never expected,” she said.
And while reaching her target is now within sight, Kayleigh says the journey has already given her something more valuable than a number on the scales.
“I no longer look at myself and feel disgust. I look at myself and see strength. I see progress. I see someone who didn’t give up. I see me.”
She added: “This journey hasn’t just helped me lose weight. It’s helped me find myself again.”
Kayleigh mainly attends the 10.30am Tuesday session at Hadfield Cricket Club, with a 9am Tuesday session also available at the venue. There is also an evening session at 5.30pm on Mondays.
Visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest Slimming World group.