Wakefield teaching assistant Loses 5st 2½lbs and Finds Her Smile Again

Julie, a teaching assistant, joined Slimming World at West Wakefield Methodist Church in April 2025 after reaching a point where her mobility, confidence and quality of life had been severely affected by osteoarthritis.

Having already undergone surgery to remove a diseased bone from her right hand and struggling with constant pain in her right knee, Julie says she felt as though her world was becoming smaller.

"I felt that my life was becoming a world of pain," Julie explained.

"I was anxious about going out because I seemed to fall a lot and worried about breaking already fragile bones.

"I was unhappy and spent a lot of time masking how I really felt, especially at work where people knew me as the happy, bubbly one."

Behind the scenes, Julie admits she had developed unhealthy eating habits and was turning to food for comfort.

"My eating was out of control. In secret, I would go to fast food places for burgers and chicken meals without anyone knowing.

"Meals at home were freshly cooked, but afterwards I'd often eat a full packet of biscuits or a tub of ice cream.

"I was embarrassed by my secret eating and bingeing. It made me feel happy for a short period of time, but then I would hate myself afterwards."

At her heaviest, Julie found herself carrying an extra 5 stone 2½ pounds, which only added to the pressure on her already painful joints.

Determined to take back control, she walked through the doors of Slimming World in April 2025.

"I wanted my life back. I wanted to be me again. I wanted to ease the pain that all the extra weight I was carrying was having on my joints."

Since joining Slimming World, Julie has completely transformed her relationship with food. Instead of relying on fast food and comfort eating, she now enjoys healthy, satisfying meals that fit around her lifestyle.

"Breakfast is now granola, fresh fruit and fat-free Greek yoghurt or Weetabix cheesecake with berries. Lunch is usually a large salad with chicken or ham, and dinner is often a new recipe from the fantastic Slimming World recipe books. Even at weekends, I still enjoy my favourite foods I've just learned how to make them in a healthier way."

The results have been life-changing. Now 5st 2½lbs lighter, Julie says she feels like herself again.

"My life is so different now. I'm back to being my daft, bubbly self and I love my job as a teaching assistant.

"Although I'll always have osteoarthritis and may need further operations in the future, I'm moving more freely and don't have the same level of pain that I had when I was heavier.

"This way of eating has given me my life back and I am forever grateful to my consultant, Leigh-Anne, for believing in me and being my biggest cheerleader throughout this journey. Slimming World is not a diet it's a way of eating healthily. The research behind the programme has given me the confidence to know that I will never go back to those old, unhealthy habits."

Julie's Slimming World Consultant, Leigh-Anne, says Julie's achievement has been an inspiration to everyone in the group.

"I couldn't be prouder of Julie and everything she has achieved," said Leigh-Anne.

"Losing 5 stone 2½ pounds is an incredible achievement, but what inspires me most is the way she's regained her confidence, happiness and quality of life.

"Julie has embraced the Slimming World programme wholeheartedly and has shown what can be achieved with determination, consistency and support. She is a true inspiration to everyone in our group."

The welcoming groups at West Wakefield Methodist Church provide a supportive, non-judgemental environment where members can share ideas, celebrate successes and receive expert guidance every week.