A young mother from Leeds has revealed how she lost an incredible six stone, defying assumptions that she used weight loss injections, after a pivotal conversation set her on a new path.
From Housebound to Happy: A Grandmother's Inspiration
Eleanor Brown, a 24-year-old mum-of-three, once felt so ashamed of her size that she avoided leaving her family home in Middleton, Leeds. Living with her partner James and children Grace, seven, Evan, four, and Laila, two, Eleanor had tried numerous fad diets and prescription weight loss pills with no success.
Her turning point came from watching her grandmother, Joan, 77, transform her own life after losing three stone with Slimming World. "I watched my grandma transform her life," Eleanor explained. Inspired, she decided to join her at a local group meeting, expecting a room full of older people but instead finding a diverse community.
The Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle
Eleanor's weight had increased from 13 stone to nearly 17 stone after the birth of her second child during lockdown. She suffered from crippling back pain and felt mentally drained. "Diets were restrictive, miserable and I’d quit by day two," she recalled.
However, her first week following the Slimming World healthy eating plan yielded a dramatic loss of 8lbs. "It was a life-changing moment for me. For the first time, I realised losing weight was possible!" she said.
She has since swapped regular takeaways for healthy homemade versions of favourites like chicken Szechuan, pizza, and kebabs, finding recipe inspiration on TikTok. Eleanor points out that a single takeaway can cost £30, debunking the myth that eating healthily is always expensive.
Beyond the Physical: Confidence and Community
The transformation extended far beyond the scales. Eleanor, who had been conscious of her weight since childhood, has seen a dramatic improvement in her mental wellbeing and confidence. "Now, I look forward to going out and getting dressed up. I’m so much more confident," she stated, even speaking at her sister's baby shower, an act she would have previously avoided.
Her physical health has also improved significantly. She no longer experiences crippling back pain or gets out of breath walking upstairs, and she now enjoys running alongside her son as he learns to ride his bike.
Her grandmother Joan expressed immense pride, saying: "Sharing my experience at my Slimming World group with Eleanor has made it extra special. I’m so proud of her."
Eleanor's story is supported by new Slimming World research of over 3,200 members aged 18 to 34, which found they lost an average of 12% of their body weight – around 2st 1lb (13kg). The study highlighted broader benefits: 92% feel part of a supportive community, 89% report a healthier relationship with food, and 59% say their mental wellbeing has improved.
Furthermore, the research indicates that healthy habits are contagious within families, with 66% of members living with children saying they influenced their kids to eat healthier meals.
Jane Masefield, Eleanor's Slimming World Consultant, praised her progress: "Eleanor has been nothing short of amazing. Watching her grow in confidence and positivity has been such a joy. From the very start, she embraced the support of her group and quickly became a cheerleader for others."
