A successful slimmer has decided to continue her passion for dieting by becoming a consultant to help inspire others.
Katie Willows lost more than five stone after joining Slimming World following constant struggles with her weight throughout her adult life.
And now the former Spalding High School pupil has taken over the Sutton Bridge group at the Curlew Centre to help others in a similar situation.
Katie first decided to do something about her weight when, on a visit to a theme park with her family, she was unable to go on a ride due to a 15-stone weight restriction.
She explained: “Life was passing me by, I couldn’t join in the fun with my family.
“I didn’t want to go out, simple things like making the bed made me breathless and I was wearing clothes that I didn’t like – I wore them because they fitted.
“I found eating in public embarrassing, I always felt like I was being watched and judged, so I’d order meals that didn’t satisfy me.
“When I got home I’d raid the cupboards for crisps and chocolate.”
After joining her local Swimming World group, Katie was overwhelmed by the support she received.
She continued: “I was relieved to find a warm, welcoming, friendly group of people who made me feel at ease.
“There was no judgement, no humiliation, just help and support.
“Slimming World is now our way of life, I feel safe in the knowledge that my family are eating healthy balanced meals. They are still having ‘naughty’ meals, but their food is just optimised.”
Life is now more active for Katie too, having lost 5 stone 7lbs.
She takes part in Zumba classes twice a week, enjoys walking her dog and in the summer even invested in a wetsuit and spent three weeks having fun with her family body boarding in Cornwall.
Katie added: “I can’t imagine life without Slimming World and, combined with exercise, my health has improved.
“I don’t have the aches and pains I had with carrying more than 17 stone of weight around.”
Katie’s group will meet every Monday, from March 13, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the Curlew Centre in Sutton Bridge. For further information call Katie on 07805 045572.
