Getting healthy gave us our happy ending

Two Slimming World success stories reveal how losing weight helped them achieve their dreams of a better life

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Alexandra Lewis, 41, is a dance teacher who lives in Widnes, Cheshire, with her husband, Graeme. She joined Slimming World Online, the organisation's digital-only service, in April 2023.

"I LOST 4ST AND GOT FIT IN MEMORY OF MY PARENTS"

“As I was demonstrating a new dance move to my pupils, I couldn't help but smile to myself because I felt so confident moving around.

It was a far cry from the woman I was just two years ago, when I'd do anything I could to hide away from being seen. Now, my confidence was back and I felt like the old, bubbly Alexandra.

I started dancing at a very young age and never had to worry about my size. I travelled around the country for all kinds of competitions, and while I was probably eating more back then, I was always conscious of what I was eating because I had to be able to stay fit.

However, I eventually stopped dancing and started teaching instead. I met my husband, Graeme, in 2016, and as we enjoyed getting to know each other, I stopped worrying about what I was eating.

I was no longer putting pressure on myself to stay as fit either - and before I knew it, my clothes started feeling tighter and I found myself feeling tired all the time. Sometimes I'd even wake up tired.

Then in 2021, my world turned on its head. I lost both my parents within four months of each other, and I sought comfort in food. I lacked any motivation to look after myself. A couple of years later, as I was approaching my 40th birthday, I knew I had been living in denial and something had to change.

I heard about Slimming World through a friend who was a member. Hearing about how well she was doing, inspired me to join too. I decided to join Slimming World Online. It was more convenient for me and I loved how well it fit into my weekly teaching timetable. The fact I could log my meals as I was out and about was helpful too.