05/01/2026
How Slimming World Helped Me Reclaim My Confidence Through Menopause
Ten years ago, I saw a photograph of myself that stopped me in my tracks. All I could think was, βIβve got my grandmaβs arms.β The very next week I joined Slimming World β and it changed everything. Within nine months Iβd lost four stone, and more importantly, I learned a new way of eating that my whole family could enjoy.
Iβve always loved food, but Iβve never pretended to be a whizz in the kitchen. What made Slimming World work for me was how simple and adaptable the meals were. Quick chillies, easy curries, chicken in any shape or form β wholesome dishes that didnβt require hours of cooking, but still felt comforting and satisfying. Eating well stopped being complicated, and thatβs why I kept the weight off for years.
Then Covid arrived. Life shrank to pyjama bottoms, a βsmartβ top for Zoom, and a lot of uncertainty. I carried on supporting my members online, but quietly I gained 20lb. On top of that, peri-menopause crept into my life β brain fog, aching joints, endless nights of poor sleep. It became very easy to say, βThis is just how it is now,β and to maintain instead of truly focusing on myself.
Eventually I realised I needed what I had encouraged so many others to embrace: group support. I went back to Slimming World, read the menopause leaflet, and something clicked. The excuses fell away, the belief returned, and so did the results. The brain fog hasnβt completely disappeared, but my energy is back, my confidence has grown, and Iβve even taken up boxing β brilliant for my strength, muscles and bone health, and absolutely fantastic fun.
Going through menopause has given me something unexpected: a deeper understanding of what so many women are navigating every day. It has made me kinder to myself, more compassionate with my members, and prouder than ever to be the woman I am today.
Slimming World didnβt just help me lose weight β it reminded me that menopause doesnβt have to dim your light. With the right support, the right plan, and people around you who βget it,β you really can feel like you again.
St Peters Parish Centre
Hazel Grove
SATURDAY 730,9 or 10.30am
Jo: 07985 039136