‘All my aches and pains have gone’

Rachel Ramshaw, 45, a QA administrator from Hampshire, dropped six dress sizes and transformed her health. She says, “I’d been overweight for most of my life, but in my mid-20s I managed to lose 8st by depriving myself of everything I enjoyed eating, like crisps, cake, chocolate and takeaways. However, it wasn’t long before I regained the weight. In 2014, after many years of yo-yo dieting, I was a size 22 and 15st. I’d always enjoyed walks and gardening, but a slipped disc and bad knees from carrying too much weight made it harder. During a trip to Croyde Bay in Devon with my fiancé Craig and our friends, I lagged behind the group during a walk and, when I made it to the top of the hill, I was completely worn out. A while later, I ordered a size 22 jacket expecting it to fit but, when I zipped it up, the fabric was too tight. I was devastated. This was a turning point for me and, spurred on by desperately wanting to lose weight, I joined Slimming World Online. When I told Craig my plan, he was brilliant and suggested we take up bike riding. Each night I’d cook us a filling meal like shepherd’s pie or chicken tikka masala, then use the leftovers for lunch. Once I’d lost 4st, I signed up to a Slimming World group so I could go along with my friend. Being with other people meant I was able to pick up new ideas, and nobody judged me when I gained weight here and there. I’m now a size 10-12 and being slim has changed my life. My back and knees rarely give me any trouble, I walk my dogs for two hours a day and I can stride through fields with Craig at the weekend!”