Real Success

Student Clare Thompson from Ashton-under-Lyne began her weight loss journey last year with Slimming World. A phenomenal 5st 12½lbs later, Clare looks and feels amazing! She shares her fabulous story with us here.

“I’ve had trouble with my weight since I was about 12 years old, then during high school I started to gain even more. I tried slimming on my own and also tried different products such as milkshakes, but I never had the will-power to carry on.

“I was getting really fed up of trying different products to lose weight and seeing no results. The final straw came when I was out shopping in a store in town. A couple of boys I went to school with spotted me in the video section. As I approached the next aisle they came round the corner and handed me a pile of slimming and exercise tapes and said that I should be looking for those types of videos. I was so embarrassed and ashamed, I ran out of the shop in tears.

“I knew I needed help to lose weight, so I decided to join Slimming World but I was ashamed that I had to resort to a slimming group. My embarrassment quickly melted away as I felt so welcomed by the Consultant and all the members.

“I couldn’t believe how great Food Optimising is! I love Green days and I’m in heaven with a gorgeous recipe for ratatouille pasta melt! At first I just cooked Food Optimising meals for myself but once family members sampled the meals I’d made, they wanted them too! Before I knew it I was making meals for most of my family! They’ve really supported me and are proud of what I’ve achieved.

“In a really short space of time I began to feel better about myself. I’m not tired like I used to be, I have more energy to do things I enjoy but most of all, I can go out with the confidence I never had before.

“I always used to get out of breath easily and my chest used to tighten whenever I tried to participate in outdoor sports, but since losing weight I have been able to overcome this. I enjoy taking part in more hobbies such as walking and running because I know that I can do it!

”I feel so much more comfortable whenever I go out, I feel proud of myself when people complement me on my weight loss. I can go on holiday without having to pack baggy trousers and t-shirts. Generally, I feel more relaxed.

“My main ambition is to help others the way I’ve been helped with losing weight. I want to demonstrate that that there are safe and normal ways to lose weight without going to the extreme. I want to help others achieve the best of themselves whether that’s to do with losing weight or not.

“I’m now living my life to the full. I’m doing things that I was never able to do as a child, such as long runs, bike rides and swimming. I’ve had so many embarrassing moments because of my weight - I thought I’d never be able to achieve anything - but now I know I can!”

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.