Woman drops 4st after fearing she would struggle with her weight all her life

Pictured is Helen before (left) and after her weight loss
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A Derbyshire woman has shared her weight loss secrets after fearing she was "destined to struggle" with her weight for her entire life. Helen Mclaughlin, from Hilton, has been fighting with her weight for more than a quarter of a century and has recently started a new career helping others after shedding 4st - which saw her drop from a dress size 20 to a 12.

She has become a consultant for Slimming World at their national training academy in Derbyshire and now looks to share her wisdom with others after taking over her own group earlier this month.

Speaking on her life struggling with her weight, the 55-year-old said: "Before I joined Slimming World, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people lose weight. For me, learning about food optimising and understanding the importance of lifestyle and mindset change was a real eye opener.

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"After the first 90 minutes in the group, I just knew that I wanted to become a consultant myself and create a family-friendly and fun feeling in the group. I cannot wait to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that made such a difference for me."

She says that support is the "most important" thing when tackling weight loss, feeling as though you are not alone in your battle. Helen says she couldn't have lost more than 4st without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of her previous group.

"As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight," she said. "Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.

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"That’s why, at my group, there will be tons of support, encouragement and fun." Helen had tried many different methods and tactics to help shed the weight, but admitted she would "always get tired" of restricting her diet.

"I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet." The eating plan encourages you to eat foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish - so you’re never hungry and you don’t feel like you’re missing out.

Helen added: "Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our body magic physical activity support programme helps members build activity into their daily routine at their own pace. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love walking my dog and doing body balance exercises like Yoga - which is something that I never thought I would be able to do."