A young mother from Leeds has revealed how two key changes helped her shed an incredible six stone, transforming not just her body but her finances and mental wellbeing.
From Desperation to a Life-Changing Decision
Eleanor Brown, a 24-year-old mum-of-three from Middleton in Leeds, says her weight reached nearly 17 stone after the birth of her second child during lockdown. She struggled with severe back pain and felt desperate, even trying prescribed weight loss pills which proved ineffective.
"Like lots of mums, for years I put myself last," Eleanor explained. "Diets were restrictive, miserable and I’d quit by day two. Something had to change."
Finding Support and a New Way of Life
Inspired by her grandmother Joan's own transformation, Eleanor decided to visit a local Slimming World group. She was surprised to find a diverse community. "I expected the room to be full of people her age, yet I was amazed to find other young parents as well as men and women from all walks of life," she said.
Throwing herself into the plan, Eleanor lost an astonishing 8lbs in her very first week, a moment she describes as "life-changing". The programme focused on practical changes, teaching her how to cook healthier versions of family favourites like chicken Szechuan, pizza and kebabs, saving money previously spent on costly takeaways.
More Than Just Weight Loss: A Complete Transformation
The benefits extended far beyond the scales. Eleanor's crippling back pain vanished, her energy soared, and her confidence blossomed. "Before losing weight, I was constantly exhausted and felt mentally drained. I avoided leaving the house," she admitted. "Now, I look forward to going out. I’ve gone from avoiding exercise to running alongside my son while he learns to ride his bike."
Her journey is supported by new Slimming World research. A study of over 3,200 members aged 18-34 found they lost an average of 12% of their body weight. Crucially, 92% felt part of a supportive community, 89% reported a healthier relationship with food, and 59% said their mental wellbeing had improved.
Carolyn Pallister, Registered Dietitian at Slimming World, commented: "Our research shows that being part of a supportive group doesn’t just help you lose weight – it helps you change your life."
So profound was her own change that Eleanor has now become a Slimming World Consultant herself, running groups in Leeds to help others. Her message to her past self is clear: "You’re about to make one of the best decisions you’ve ever made... It will change your life in the best way possible and it’ll be a lot easier than you expect."
