Three women tell The Mirror how their participation in Slimming World has given them an exciting new start.
Sarah Cullimore: ‘Now I know I can do anything’
Sarah, 30, is a fast food restaurant customer experience leader and Slimming World Consultant based in County Carlow, Ireland.
Before I found Slimming World, I craved instant weight loss results and gave up when I didn’t get them.
When I started trying to lose weight in my early 20s, I thought limiting what I ate was the only solution. When diet after diet inevitably failed, I blamed myself for lacking willpower.
When I saw a picture of myself as a bridesmaid, my mindset changed. In the photo I was smiling, but I could see through the unfortunate person underneath. Then one Wednesday morning in January 2020, I decided enough was enough and joined my local Slimming World group.
Sarah Cullimore is pictured before the weight loss(
Sarah’s transformation was incredible
From the moment I was greeted by my consultant, Jennifer, I could tell she had been in my shoes and that she genuinely cared. Members shared stories of overcoming difficult relationships with food, issues that had crushed their self-esteem, and the fear that there would never be an escape. It was a weight off my shoulders to know I wasn’t the only one going through these things.
I built healthy new habits and my weight began to decrease steadily. I dropped the mindset that my transformation happened overnight and embraced the small changes.
Now I ate meals that satisfied my appetite. I realized I had overeaten in the past because I believed if I had one ‘bad’ thing the damage was done and I might as well have had more but for the first time in years I actually enjoyed my food .
SARAH’S STATISTICS
Height: 5ft 3in
Starting Weight: 12th 12½ lb
Weight now: 9st 4½lb
Total Lost: 3rd 8 lbs
When the lockdown hit, I continued to go to the group virtually, and when I returned to work in the summer of 2020 after getting furlough, I needed a uniform in a smaller size. Within 10 months I had lost the 3rd weight and I decided to lower my goal weight to 9th 4 lbs.
With my increased confidence, I decided to train as a Slimming World Consultant and now I am the one who greets new members. they are in a dark place, and after having my own struggles, I can reassure them that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I now know that if I approach something, I can do it. And I look forward to a brighter future with more confidence.
Rachel Falcus is pictured after the weight loss(
Rachel Falcus: ‘I love being a role model for my kids’
Rachel, 42, is a full-time Slimming World Consultant living in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
Becoming a mother to my two sons James, now 18, and Liam, now 15, had taken my confidence to an all-time low. My weight was a constant concern and I didn’t feel like a good role model for them. I wanted to be an active mom and be able to keep up.
The idea of joining a Slimming World group in September 2007 was daunting at first, but I soon realized I was in a room full of like-minded people – they were all there for the same reason. The feeling in my group was like nothing I had ever experienced before. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone with my weight issues.
I started following Slimming World’s Food Optimizing eating plan, swapping ready meals and takeout for homemade food.
I had never cooked from scratch before and here I made healthier versions of the foods I loved.
It felt good to cook for my family, especially knowing that I was serving healthy food. Now it’s second nature. My husband Craig and I look at the Slimming World app every Sunday to decide what to eat that week, then spend time together cooking.
RACHELS STATISTICS
Height: 5ft 4in
Starting Weight: 15th 2½ lb
Weight now: 10th 7 lbs
Total lost: 4th 9½lb
In just over a year I lost 4th 91/2lbs and reached my goal weight of 10th 7lbs. I was bursting with confidence and even inspired to get active – despite finding the idea of exercise overwhelming in the past.
Within two years I was running the London Marathon as part of Slimming World’s team for Cancer Research UK.
Joining Slimming World was life-changing because it allowed me to be the healthy, happy parent I wanted to be. And when I saw an opportunity to become a Consultant, I noticed that it could change my life in other ways. I wanted to help people, just like Slimming World had helped me.
I quit my government job to become a full-time consultant. It gives me the flexibility to be there more for my kids because I can adjust my hours to the school career.
When I first started losing weight, with two small children, it felt like there was never enough time, especially for me. By the time I had my daughter, Emily, now eight, I realized that it’s far from selfish to prioritize yourself—when you’re more in control and happier, you’re better able to be there for your family and friends.
I have maintained my weight loss for almost 15 years and have been named Slimming World’s Top Target Consultant 2023. I live life to the fullest. Best of all, though, I’ve been a positive role model for my kids as they grew up — and that will continue to be my motivation.
Abby Murdy admitted that it was “scary” to deal with her weight (
Abby Murdy lost weight and is now a midwife(
Abby Murdy: ‘I’m much more confident today’
Abby, 22, is a midwife and Slimming World Consultant living in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
It was scary to decide to do something about my weight. My hands shook as I opened the door of my first Slimming World group. Taking that first step was the hardest part though, because as soon as I arrived the group lifted me up with open arms and I knew I had found the support I needed.
When my consultant explained the Slimming World Food Optimizing eating plan, I couldn’t believe I could still eat bacon sandwiches and Chinese meals. I had tried so many different diets in the past, and I always felt deprived and then ate too much of the foods I couldn’t have. But the proof was in the plan and I started losing weight right away.
As a midwife-in-training, my diet before I joined Slimming World certainly lived up to the college student stereotype. My meals were usually something fast and unhealthy, and I drank quite a lot of alcohol. Breakfast would be cereal followed by white toast and butter. For lunch I’d grab a patty and dinner would be a takeout. I also liked chips.
Now I always feel full and satisfied. And my diet is much more varied. Breakfast can be anything from cooked breakfast or pancakes to yogurt and fruit. Lunch might be an omelette, a baked potato, or a pasta salad, while dinner is usually something savory, such as mushrooms, fajitas, or hunter’s chicken.
ABBY’S STATISTICS
Height: 5ft 3in
Starting Weight: 13th 4 lbs
Weight now: 10pcs
Total Lost: 3rd 4 lbs
There are so many recipes to try on the Slimming World app and website. I also make my own Chinese fakeaways, and still hang out with friends and eat out. Knowing I can eat the foods I love in moderation has helped me break my old habits and I now feel in control.
Slimming World also has an exercise support program, Body Magic, that helps you become more active. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never practiced before, you do everything at your own pace. That took away my fear. I went from struggling to climb the stairs to my apartment to a love of the gym and spin classes.
Looking back on that first night in the group, I realize how much my weight was getting in the way of my life. It affected my work because I was so self-conscious.
Today I feel like a different person – not only physically but also mentally. I am much more outgoing and confident. I work as a licensed midwife and also run my own Slimming World group.
The big difference between Slimming World and other weight loss programs I’ve tried is the support – it means you’re never alone on your weight loss journey.
I tell everyone who walks through the door of my group that Slimming World has changed my life, and it can change yours too.
