An East Calder woman who once felt at her lowest point is celebrating an incredible transformation after losing an amazing 7st 4lb with Slimming World. Dawn McKay, 51, has dropped from a size 22 to a size 12 and says the impact on her confidence, health and happiness has been nothing short of life changing.
Determined to Make a Change
Although she had attended Slimming World before, Dawn says this time was different. “I was determined to make a change because I simply couldn’t carry on the way I was,” she said. “I was struggling with pancreatitis, constant pain in my legs, plantar fasciitis and the menopause. I’d also been told I was borderline diabetic. I felt exhausted, uncomfortable and at a real all time low. I was drinking cider regularly and I knew it was having an impact on my wellbeing. Deep down, I knew something had to change. I wanted to feel better and get my life back.”
After joining Sue Scorer’s Slimming World group in East Calder, Dawn committed to making small, sustainable changes and quickly discovered she didn’t have to give up the foods she loved to lose weight. She said: “One of the biggest surprises was realising I could still enjoy meals like spaghetti bolognese, curries and family favourites. It never felt like a diet because there were no foods I was banned from eating. There was always a healthier choice available and I never felt deprived.”
Week by Week Progress
Week by week, Dawn began to see the scales move and her confidence grow. Today, she has lost an incredible 7st 4lb, wears a size 12 and feels like a completely different person. She said: “I absolutely love my new figure, but the biggest change is how I feel. I’ve got so much more energy and confidence. As a support worker, I’m on my feet all day and everything feels easier now. I can do so much more without feeling exhausted. I rarely drink alcohol now, but I still enjoy going out with family and friends. I’ve learned how to make choices that fit around my lifestyle rather than feeling like I’m missing out. I honestly couldn’t have done it without the group. They’re like family to me. Everyone understands what you’re going through because they’ve been there too. We encourage each other, celebrate every achievement and pick one another up when things don’t go to plan.”
Inspiring Others
Sue Scorer, who runs the East Calder Slimming World groups, says Dawn’s achievement is inspiring everyone around her. She said: “I’m incredibly proud of Dawn and everything she’s achieved. Like many people, she had tried to lose weight before, but this time she focused on making changes she could maintain for life and the results have been remarkable. What makes Dawn’s story so inspiring is that so many people will recognise how she felt when she first walked through our doors. She wasn’t looking for a quick fix. She wanted to improve her health, regain her confidence and feel happier again. Through her determination and the support of the group, she’s achieved exactly that. Dawn is always encouraging other members and showing them that no matter how much weight they’d like to lose, it is possible to achieve their goals. She truly is an inspiration.”
Dawn hopes her story will encourage others who may be struggling with their weight to take that first step. She added: “If you’re thinking about joining, I’d say just do it. Walking into group was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, and you never have to do it on your own.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about Slimming World can visit one of Sue’s local groups in East Calder Bowling Club on Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm or Wednesdays at 9.30am and 11.30am. Sue also runs groups in Geddes House, Livingston on Thursdays at 7.30am and 9.30am. For more information, call or text Sue on 07803 520781.
