Delighted Deborah is Woman of the Year
A super slimmer has been named Bathgate’s Slimming World ‘Woman of the Year’ 2018 thanks to her life-changing six stone weight loss.
More than half of all women in the UK and Ireland (58%) are overweight and a quarter of women’s weight is so high it risks impacting on their health by increasing their chances of developing a range of conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of thousands of women up and down the country who have made long-term healthy lifestyle changes.
Deborah, who has gone from a dress size 22 to a 12, says: “I never could have dreamt I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey.
“Losing weight has made such a big difference to me. My health is better, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”
She joined Slimming World after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size.
Deborah explained: “I started outdoor activities with my husband and was devastated at having to buy men’s clothing to get the right fit. It really made me want to make a change.
“I tried lots of different ways to lose weight but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact. With Slimming World it’s completely different.
“My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight. I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight. Now I just prepare and cook them differently – and they taste so much better.
“I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat.
“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect. Right from the first moment I walked into my Slimming World group I felt comfortable, and the support I’ve received has been amazing.”
Deborah lost 6lbs in her first week and was blown away that the changes she’d made had such a big impact so quickly. As the weight started to come off, her fitness improved and Deborah now loves running and hiking.
She says: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group.
“I remember feeling like a failure when it came to my weight, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.
“I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at Stuart’s Bathgate group.
“My goal now is to hit my target by Christmas and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”
Stuart Malcolm who runs the Bathgate Thursday evening groups, says: “I’m so proud of Deborah. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible.
“She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Bathgate to change their lives in the same way.”
The Bathgate Slimming World groups are held throughout the week in the Glenmavis Tavern (Smiths), 51 Gideon Street. Stuart’s group is held every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
To join or find out more call Stuart on 07738 859724.