Woman of the year’s amazing weight loss

A super slimmer has been named East Calder’s Slimming World woman of the year thanks to her incredible 10st weight loss.

Laura Pennycook (38) from Balerno slimmed from 20st 8lb to 10st 8lb.

Now she has been chosen to represent the East Calder group in the Slimming World Woman of the Year competition.

The competition celebrates the achievements of thousands of women up and down the country who have made long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

Laura, who downsized from a dress size 24 to a 10, said: “When I first joined the group I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now.

“Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life. My health has improved, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Laura said: “I started to put on weight over a number of years and I tried a number 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 lose weight. I still eat all my favourite meals, like cooked breakfasts, curries and roast dinners. I just prepare and cook them differently now 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’ve picked up so many tips and healthy recipes from the other members too.

“I know it can feel like a big step joining Slimming World because you don’t know what to expect but right from the first moment I walked into my group I was made to feel at ease and the support I’ve received has been amazing.

“I look forward to going each week to catch up with all of my new friends. I just love it.”

Laura has been blown away that the changes she made had such a big impact so quickly. As the weight started to come off, she started to think about how active she was and Laura now loves walking, running and boogie bounce.

Shesaid: She said: “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 I would never be happy in my own skin again 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 that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way, especially at the East Calder group.

“My goal now is to maintain my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Now Laura will go forward to the regional finals of the competition, putting her in the running for the national title. The national Woman of the Year will be announced in November and the winner will take home a £4000 cash prize.

Sue Scorer, who runs the East Calder group, said: “I’m so proud of Laura. 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 West Lothain to change their lives in the same way.”

The East Calder Slimming World group is held every Tuesday at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesday at 9.30am and 11.30am at East Calder Bowling Club. To join or find out more call Sue on 0780 352 0781.