24/08/2025
✨ Member Success Story - Meet Orla✨
In the summer of 2023, I realised something had to change. My mobility was slipping away. I struggled to get up from my chair at work, standing was painful, and even walking felt like a challenge. After taking early retirement to focus on my health, I promised myself that 2024 would be my year.
On 1st January, I weighed 19st 1lb, the heaviest I’d ever been. I tried dieting at home but found it tough to stay motivated. By the end of March, I’d lost half a stone, which was a start… but I knew I needed extra support. So on 4th April, I joined my local Slimming World group. I’ll never forget that first week – I lost 7lbs, and I knew instantly that I’d made the right decision! 💚
💡 What I love about Food Optimising:
I’m never hungry! I can enjoy delicious, healthy meals, still have my little comforts (like butter on toast, my favourite!), and if I go off plan, I know I can get back on track at the very next meal. The app, recipe books, and support from group keep me motivated every single day.
🌟 My biggest challenge:
Believing in myself. After years of yo-yo dieting, I’d lost confidence that I could lose weight and keep it off. But with the encouragement from my Consultant Vanessa, the Social Team, and my fellow members, I’ve learned that I’m not alone. Group support has been life-changing.
🏊 What I can do now that I couldn’t before:
Move…and enjoy it! Body Magic has given me such a sense of pride. I started by gently walking in the swimming pool, and now I swim and do aquafit three times a week. I can walk 10,000 steps a day and I’ve fallen in love with the joy of movement.
💚 The health benefits have been incredible:
Six stone lighter, I no longer need my inhaler, my blood pressure is back to normal, my knees don’t hurt, and I can climb stairs with ease. But the biggest change of all? My confidence and mental health. I feel proud, assertive, social, and so much happier.
I like to say my superpowers are: swimming, soup and Slimming World! 💦🥣
