‘Changed my life’: Woman loses nearly six stone with Slimming World

Julie Briggs, 55, shed five stone and ten pounds in 15 months thanks to Slimming World.

She was referred to the popular weightloss club by her doctor due to health concerns and admits it has “changed life for the better”.

Julie, from Peterlee, said: “The support was second to none. We shared recipes, ideas for managing weekends out, and we had such a laugh.

"I’ve met so many like-minded people on the same journey.”

Julie, who goes to Slimming World’s Peterlee Methodist Church group, continued: “I couldn’t believe I could still enjoy family favourites and lose weight.

"Nothing feels restricted. I simply shop, cook and eat differently, removing fat from my meat, cooking without oil and making simple healthy swaps.

"The Slimming World meals in Iceland are brilliant for when I’m on my own too.”

Throughout the programme, Julie identified her trigger foods and made healthy swaps that still allowed her to enjoy the food she loved.

She said: “My weakness was crisps – big bags too.

"Now I choose lighter versions and still enjoy them when I want them.

"I loved white bread and cheese as well, so I swapped to wholemeal, and I now enjoy my cheese measured as my calcium choice.”

She added: “That feeling of the old me coming back was priceless. It pushed me to keep going.

"I wanted to socialise more, I had more energy, and naturally became more active.

"The compliments I received were unbelievable and kept motivating me.”

Julie was “anxious and nervous” for her first session, but her coach Suzanne Lax and the group’s members put her at ease.

She said: “I was anxious and nervous, but the warmth in the room put me at ease. I knew instantly I was in the right place.”

She added: “Now I reach for the stars everywhere I go. I live life to the fullest and treasure every moment.

"Thank you, Suzanne, and thank you Slimming World. You’ve changed my life for the better.”