Jayne Walker's weight loss journey led her to support others

For the past 15 years I’ve worked full-time as a project manager in a voluntary organisation supporting vulnerable people.

My family and job always came first, in fact many would say I am the matriarch of our family. I also support my partner’s father too, after the passing of his mum.

Being so busy with everyone else meant I neglected myself.

We would have takeaways multiple times a week - this could include eating out at lunch time and ordering a meal in on an evening. I never looked at calories, I just ate what was easy with no thought of the impact on my health.

When I first realised my weight had spiralled, I hid behind oversized tops and stretchy leggings. I even enjoyed lockdown as it meant I did not have to socialise. My weight stopped me from going out, but I did not tell anyone. I remember once going out with my friend and feeling so uncomfortable that I made excuses and left.

Jayne before losing weight Jayne wanted to lose weight

A visit to the doctors’ surgery in July 2023 meant they needed an up-to-date weigh record - I was shocked when the scales tipped to 17st 1lb.

The nurse discussed BEEP (Bradford Encouraging Exercise in People) and the opportunity of 12 weeks free referral with Slimming World. I jumped at the opportunity: I thought this is my chance to make myself happy again. After I left the surgery, I reflected on my initial shock and realised that I weighed more that day than I did during either of my pregnancies.

I called BEEP straight away and filled in the online form for Slimming World, after reading up about it and seen how good a fit it would be for me and my family.

After a couple of weeks I plucked up the courage to attend my local group. For me this was the hardest part, walking in those doors, telling myself everyone will be looking at me and judging me. But I need not have worried: since that day I’ve been every week, only missing the group once due to an operation. The environment is so different to what I made up in my head. The group is friendly, warm and so supportive.

After my first week I thought ‘there is no chance I have lost weight this week’ - I felt full and had eaten a variety of foods. I’d adapted our family favourite meals and also had a takeaway. How wrong was - I had lost 6.5lb, and by the third week I had my one stone loss award.

I initially did not know where I wanted to be and set my target at 13 stone. Once I reached this point, I decided I would like to continue to be within my recommended body mass index (BMI). I dropped my target to 11 stone 7lb meaning I would have a total loss of five and a half stone.

Jane is now slim and trim Jayne is now a Slimming World Consultant

I dreamed of being able to shop anywhere, be able to tuck a top in my trousers and feel healthy again.

During my journey I had major surgery. I went into the operating theatre and managed for the first time not to cry through fear of having a high BMI and being put to sleep. I knew my weight loss meant I was healthier to have anaesthetic.

My family and friends have been very supportive. At times I have had to explain the plan and food optimising with Slimming World, as a few people presumed I was depriving myself. My journey has inspired family, friends and colleagues to join Slimming World. They are all shocked when I tell them I still enjoy a takeaway every week.

Being a member of a Slimming World group is more than paying someone to weigh you -it’s a support network, it teaches you about healthy eating, making smart swaps, being able to share ideas and get tips from other members. I enjoy the group: there is an option to suit every individual no matter what their individual needs; the eating plan is totally tailorable - and with the support around creating new habits, through behaviour changes, I’ve built a whole new lifestyle with some deep mindset changes.

It’s through these changes that the power of the support has really helped and led to my new-found healthier lifestyle. I really like the food diaries and the other Slimming World motivational tools; the member websites, and the app, which is great for when you’re on the go.

Now, I’m at my personal achievement target I can now attend the group for free, I am also supported in the early weeks of my new journey maintaining my weight loss through Slimming World’s Slim for Life programme, a 12-week support system to ensure the new habits and behaviour changes I’ve been making stay with me.

I love the new me: I can shop anywhere, I do not have to stop eating anything and I naturally look for a healthier option. Because of my success I am now embarking in a new role becoming a Slimming World consultant I can’t wait to support members of the local community change their lives too.

*Jayne launched her own group at The Guide Post Hotel, Low Moor, Bradford, on Saturday at 7:30am and 9:30am. For more information contact Jayne on 07359 136950. Also visit slimmingworld.co.uk