‘Getting in shape has cured my back pain’

Fiza Rasool, 42, is a civil servant from Walton-on-thames, Surrey. The mum-of-three says, “I’d steadily been gaining weight since the birth of my daughter, Aiza, now seven, and I suffer from arthritis in my back and knees, which had become much worse. Just climbing the stairs left me out of breath, let alone chasing after three kids. When Aiza turned to me, aged five, and said, ‘Mummy, you’re big,’ enough was enough. A colleague had lost weight with Slimming World, so I decided to try it. Busy juggling work and family, I’d come to rely on heating up a ready meal, or chicken nuggets for tea. I doubted I could find time to make home-made meals my family would enjoy but, after listening to the recipe ideas at my group, I realised I could cook food my children love, such as burgers, pizza and fish fingers – just made a healthier way. “Soon, I started losing weight and began to feel so much better about myself. It took me nine months to reach my goal weight. I ditched my black leggings and baggy tops for fitted trousers and blouses. When I had the opportunity to take on a full-time job in the civil service, I had the confidence to go for it. With my GP’S permission, I started exercising and tried spinning classes. Now my back pain has gone and I’m the one dragging the kids out for bike rides. I’ve lost 2st 7lbs, going from 12st 2lbs and a size 16 to 9st 9lbs and a size 10. I’m a fun, energetic mum at last – and I intend to make the most of it!”