"I couldn’t do it without my WW Workshops. They’re invaluable and I’ve made lots of new friends there. Other WW members really inspire me, and I hope my weight-loss journey inspires them too. "
Start weight: 19st 1lb | Weight loss: 8st 2lb*
Current weight: 10st 13lb | Goal weight: 11st 2½lb
Height: 6' 1" | Age: 26
Time taken to goal: 9 months
Studio: Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Mansfield
WW Coach: Helen Allsop
Growing up, I was always big,
but I couldn’t admit it to myself, let alone do something about it. Instead, I spent my teens and early 20s in denial, hiding my insecurities behind baggy clothes and pretending I was okay. In reality, I was suffering with depression and anxiety. It wasn’t until March 2017, when I was flicking through photos from the previous Christmas, that reality hit: had I really let myself get that big? To make myself feel better I’d been comfort eating crisps and sweets and huge portions of pizza and unhealthy ready-meals. Far from being a comfort, though, it made me feel worse.
I decided I’d had enough
and joined WW with my mum, Jenny, who’d gained weight herself after suffering a stroke and having to give up work. So we started on our journey together, going to WW Workshops and spurring each other on. We ditched junk food and started cooking low SmartPoints® meals every day. It helped me shed almost half my body weight and now I look and feel like a different person.
Both Mum and I
feel a million times better about ourselves; our physical health has improved, but my mental health is better too, as my depression and anxiety has lifted and my confidence has grown. And although I’m still getting used to being slimmer, I’m determined to just ‘put myself out there’ more! WW has changed my life.
My moments…
‘My WW Coach, Helen Allsop, is incredible. She always makes a fuss of me and gives me the motivation I need if I’ve had a tough week. Her positivity and enthusiasm are inspiring.’
‘I couldn’t do it without my WW Workshops. They’re invaluable and I’ve made lots of new friends there. Other WW members really inspire me, and I hope my weight-loss journey inspires them too. That’s what it’s all about.’
‘The sense of community – in WW Workshops and Digital – has been a big part of my journey. Because I work late hours in a cinema, having a supportive community online is brilliant. And I can access it anywhere – I simply log on to Facebook and have everything at my fingertips. Sometimes it’s recipe ideas, other times it’s SmartPoints queries, but often it’s just to have a good chit-chat!’
‘Being on this journey with Mum has been so special – it really is better together.’
*Luke has been following the plan since March 2017.