Wakefield woman praised by boxer Nicola Adam for 'remarkable' weight loss after shedding 10st

A Wakefield woman who lost more than 10 stone has been praised by Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams after reaching the semi-finals of a national weight-loss competition.

Emma Scott, 36, shed the weight after joining Slimming World and said the transformation has given her a new lease of life.

She was one of 36 women selected for the semi-finals of Slimming World's Woman of the Year 2026 competition, held at the organisation's head office in Derbyshire.

Emma earned her place after members of her West Wakefield group voted for her to represent them.

She celebrated the achievement with double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams, who praised her commitment and said she was “blown away” by her transformation.

Before joining Slimming World, Emma said her weight had affected her confidence, health and ability to enjoy life.

She said being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) made her realise she needed to make a change.

Emma said: “Before joining Slimming World, I felt trapped by my weight. My confidence was so low and I was constantly worrying about my weight.

“It affected my health and stopped me from living life the way I wanted to. I knew I wanted things to be different; I just needed the right help me get there.”

Emma said she wanted to make lasting changes to her eating habits and lifestyle, with the support of a group helping her stay motivated.

She added: “I joined Slimming World hoping to lose weight, but I gained so much more, like having more confidence and no longer hiding myself away anymore.

“I’ve made so many friends at the group and love the support network I have around me – it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Rather than giving up her favourite foods, Emma said she made small changes to how she cooked and ate.

She continued to enjoy meals such as curries, fajitas and pasta bakes, while making healthier choices, including opting for leaner meat and using one-calorie cooking spray instead of oil.

Emma said the encouragement of her fellow group members and consultant Leigh-Anne White helped her through weeks when she struggled with motivation.

As her fitness improved, she began going on short walks and has since started walking every day and swimming again.

She said becoming more active had also boosted her confidence and mental wellbeing.

Leeds boxer Adams, who became the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal for Team GB, said Emma's achievement was remarkable.

“The commitment and dedication it must have taken Emma to lose 10 and a half stone is remarkable,” she said.

“Success doesn't happen overnight, whether in sport or in life, and she’s proof of what can be achieved when you stay focused on your goal.

“Reaching the national semi-finals is a fantastic achievement and Emma should feel enormously proud of how far she's come.”