HYDI McMurray shares her weight loss story: I remember feeling self-conscious for the first time when I was 11-years-old. I was told to watch what I was eating. I was never satisfied with how I looked after that, I was constantly thinking about what other people thought about my appearance. I was so depressed I turned to food for comfort.

I was concerned about others watching me eat. So I chose healthy alternatives when eating out, then indulge on sweet treats behind closed doors. The treat cupboard was my go-to. This went on for years, and the weight piled on. I was unhappy and my confidence was non-existent. I stopped going out, I made excuses because I was ashamed of how I looked. I had chronic back pain after giving birth to my son. Doctors advised me to lose weight because the excess weight was aggravating my back pain.

I’d tried dieting and it never worked; I’d lose a few pounds but the diet grew dull and I caved. I’d heard of Slimming World and when I watched my sister successfully lose weight on the plan, I knew I had to join. I was fed up with buying clothes from plus size shops and my back pain was getting worse. I put it off, wondering if it would work for me. I told myself through Christmas and new year that I had to do it. In February 2022, I finally joined. Going through those doors wasn’t as terrifying as I’d anticipated. The consultant complimented me on taking that first step. When I got on the scales, I didn’t have a clue what my weight would be and to my utter shock it displayed 18st 11lb. I was horrified, I couldn’t believe I’d let it get that bad. But I left feeling motivated and realised I wasn’t on my own. It was mind-blowing to learn how Slimming World and all the things I could still enjoy while losing weight. I dropped 5lb in my first week and lost just over a stone in five weeks!

My eating habits changed; the treat cupboard was replaced with fruit and I started to cook from scratch for the family. One of my favourite meals is the Slimming World quarter-pounder burger - my ‘fake-away’. After losing around four stone in 22 weeks, I started working on my fitness with Body Magic, establishing a target and making the effort to achieve it. A friend asked if I wanted to join a gym. I surprised myself by joining; it’s now part of my daily routine.

Now nine stone lighter, Slimming World has given me my life back. I no longer hide behind closed doors, I buy the clothes I want to wear in size 10 instead of 24. I’ve gained the confidence to enrol at college to pursue my dream of becoming a midwife; my back pain has almost gone. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my group. When I was named Woman of the Year in my group tears flowed. I was overwhelmed. It was the first time I felt amazing about what others thought of me.”

* Hydi goes to Bankfoot Slimming World at St Matthew’s Church. Call consultant Nikol on 07887402274.