A London woman who was once so heavy she struggled to walk for more than five minutes has revealed how losing an incredible 12 stone saved her life, without resorting to surgery or weight-loss injections.
A Lifelong Struggle with Weight and Bullying
Sherri Begbie's battle with her size began in childhood, where she faced cruel teasing for being bigger than her peers. The 38-year-old from Plumstead, South East London, explains that a difficult home life, marked by a lack of communication, led her to use food for comfort. "I was an easy target for bullies," Sherri says. "I'd eat to make myself feel better. I withdrew into myself, becoming anxious, depressed, and suicidal."
This pattern developed into a debilitating binge-eating disorder that lasted for three decades. At her heaviest, she weighed around 24 stone. Her health deteriorated severely, with high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and pre-diabetes all taking hold. Everyday tasks like bathing or putting on shoes became monumental challenges, and her mobility was so reduced she was lucky to clock 800 steps a day.
Failed Attempts and a Life-Changing Health Scare
Sherri had tried to lose weight before. In 2012, her GP prescribed the drug Orlistat, but she describes the side-effects as "horrific," suffering crippling stomach cramps. A decade later, in 2022, she was referred to an NHS weight-loss programme but found the support lacking and was ultimately offered bariatric surgery, which she declined.
Later that same year, her life reached its lowest point when a chest infection developed into pneumonia. "I started coughing up blood. I left it as I just didn't want to be around any more," she recalls. Doctors told her it was a miracle she survived. The moment she was told she needed a ventilator, however, sparked an epiphany. "I felt frightened, and that was when I realised I did want to live," Sherri states.
Finding Hope and a New Life with Slimming World
Upon recovering in early 2023, Sherri's sister encouraged her to try Slimming World. In February 2023, though initially sceptical and hiding in the corner at her first session, she committed to their healthy eating plan, known as Food Optimising. The change was profound and rapid.
She set an initial goal to lose 5 stone for her cousin's wedding, which she successfully achieved. The supportive group atmosphere, guidance from her consultant Ella, and rediscovering the joy of cooking were pivotal. Furthermore, Slimming World's active lifestyle programme helped rebuild her physical capacity. "I now walk over 10,000 steps daily and I'm training for a 10k," Sherri says proudly.
The health results have been dramatic. She has reversed her pre-diabetes and other looming conditions. Remarkably, the plantar fasciitis that had plagued her since she was eight years old has disappeared. From a size 34-36, she is now a size 8.
"I'm literally half the woman I used to be, having lost over 12 stone," Sherri reflects. "Today, I'm unrecognisable, inside and out. My journey proves that lasting change doesn't come from quick fixes, but from healing your relationship with food. I don't know if I'd still be here if it wasn't for Slimming World. It's saved my life."
