Real Success

Anna Jennings from Reading in Berkshire lost a fantastic 2st 6½lb with Slimming World. Discovering a Food Optimising-buddy and a new passion for housework are just two of the tactics that led Anna to success! She shares her story here…

“I began putting on weight steadily over the past five years whilst at university – all the socialising and drinking took its toll! I managed to cover up my weight using big tops and it never really got me down until I went to America with my family in November 2004. I couldn't wear what I wanted to and felt frumpy. Instead of doing something about it I comfort ate and carried on drinking with my friends.

"I always tried to eat healthily but seemed to always put weight on as I was never full and I craved sweet things!"

“The final straw was a really embarrassing incident when visiting my friend in Brighton. During a night out we were waiting for a taxi and I was wearing a long, black (cover it all up) top. When we got into a taxi the driver was really lovely, chatting away about the weather. He then said that the weather was especially lovely for someone in 'my condition' and asked when the baby was due. I was absolutely mortified! It was then I decided that I had to lose weight.

“I was quite embarrassed about joining Slimming World as my Mum has been a member for years, so I always thought of it as an older woman thing really. When I realised I needed to do something in order to feel good about myself again I approached my Mum. She knew I was unhappy and explained what happens at her group, so I thought I'd pop along to a group near my university to see what it was like. I absolutely loved it from that first moment I walked in! After losing 3lbs in my first week I was well and truly hooked!

“I love the variety of Food Optimising! I can eat whatever I want really, I never seem to go hungry and it's not the same old meals all the time. I make piles of Free chips and I enjoy experimenting with different foods and trying new things. I made Christmas dinner for my family which was lovely, if I do say so myself! We had loads of turkey with piles of veggies and roast potatoes (sprayed with Fry light of course!) I never feel like I’m going without! People are always saying they can’t believe I’m losing weight while eating so much!

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“I found out that one of my best friends, Gemma, had joined Slimming World too at a different group. We hadn't told each other as we were a little embarrassed. As the weight came off we both confided in each other and have been Slimming World buddies ever since! She encourages me when I’m feeling down and vice versa which really helps us. She’s lost almost 3 stones too, so between us we’ve lost about 5½ stones! Pretty amazing I think!

“I became more confident as my weight went down. When I was bigger I found myself feeling awkward a lot of the time. I worked part-time in bars and always felt frumpy and big. I’d hide behind the stupid jokes I made, or, I’d literally hide! Now I’m a lot more outgoing. I used to be envious of the clothes my friends could wear when we went out – now I can wear the same things! I look forward to social events now without worrying about my outfit!

“I’m much more active now and walk everywhere instead of asking Mum for lifts! I even find myself helping out a lot more with housework which keeps mum happy! She keeps telling me how great I look; even my brothers have made nice comments!

“I’m now into my last months of university and I’ll be off travelling when I finish. I’m looking forward to strutting around in a bikini without feeling embarrassed! In my old holiday photos I always seem to be hiding – this time I’ll be beaming right at the camera!”

find out more

If you'd like to reveal the real you, find your nearest warm and friendly Slimming World group, where men and women are welcome.