A Croftfoot woman has lost a “life-changing” amount of weight after joining a local slimming group.
Melissa Wilson, who is a member of the Croftfoot Slimming World group, has lost a whopping 4st since she joined the group in 2018.
Melissa, who now weighs just over 11st, said: “I feel like a new woman since losing weight . I have to say though, it’s the change on the inside that’s been the greatest – I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now. It’s been life-saving.”
Melissa’s weight was putting a huge strain on her health and felt she was at risk of serious health problems.
The 27 year-old told Lanarkshire Live: “My weight impacted on so many aspects of my life, from being unhappy with how I looked, always wearing the same clothes as I didn’t feel comfortable in anything else. I felt so unhealthy and knew I had to make a change for myself.
“Before I lost the weight I was just existing. Now I’m full of life and can do so much more”
Melissa joined Slimming World after seeing a banner for her local group outside its venue and hearing about it from a friend.
She recalled: “I was so nervous before my first session and had no idea what to expect.
“I have to say I was very relieved when I found out that my weight was confidential, too – I’d had visions of having to tell everyone how much I weighed.”
Melissa followed Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan and swapped takeaways and microwave meals for her home cooked new favourite meals including cajun dirty rice, dirty fries, cheesburger pasta and south Indian garlic chilli chicken.
“People think to lose weight you have to go hungry, it’s not like that at all with Slimming World though.” Melissa added.
“I love food and it’s never once felt like I was on a diet – in fact, people are always surprised that I still eat food like pasta, potatoes and rice and can’t believe I’m losing weight eating so much delicious food, without ever feeling deprived.”
Melissa has lost a total of 4st 1lb and dropped from dress size 16 to 10/12.
Jacqui Quinn, who runs the Croftfoot Slimming World group, said: “I feel so privileged to have played a part in Melissa’s transformation. She has come so far, especially over the last year which has been so challenging for many of us.
“Given the links between Covid-19 and obesity and the impact of lockdown has had on our health and wellbeing, I know lots of people are worrying about their weight more than ever before, so I really hope Melissa’s weight loss inspires people and shows them that now is a great time to take the first step of their journey.”
The Croftfoot Slimming World group is held every Wednesday morning and evening and Saturday morning in Kings Park Baptist Church.
To join or find out more call Jacqui on 07847790798.
