01/09/2026
Meet my members in their own inspirational words.
By Tanya Park
In February 2024 I went to a YFC ball. When the photos came out afterwards, I was shocked. I felt ashamed and disgusted at how big I had become.
That was the moment I decided something had to change.
But looking back, it wasn’t just my body size or shape that needed to change. It was the way I saw myself. Somewhere along the way, I had stopped loving myself.
I had become the fat friend. The one everyone could rely on, while I had completely stopped relying on myself.
I told myself it didn’t matter what I looked like. I was blessed with an amazing family and wonderful friends who loved me regardless — and I still am. But the truth was, I wasn’t happy with me.
In that moment, looking at those photos, I had never felt more miserable.
In April 2024 I walked into my first Slimming World group absolutely convinced I was going to be judged. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I was welcomed.
There were men and women of different ages, sizes and backgrounds, all with their own stories, but all on the same sort of journey. Not just a journey to lose weight, but one of self-awareness, self-acceptance and, eventually, self-love.
I left that first group feeling like I wasn’t on my own anymore.
From the moment I met Karen and the rest of the group, I felt like I had comrades and allies. People who would pick me up when I was flagging, celebrate the good weeks and help carry a little bit of the misery on the bad ones while I concentrated on finding the healthier, happier version of me.
And then something amazing started happening.
As the weight started to drop, my confidence started to rise.
I began looking at myself with kindness instead of criticism. I plucked up the courage to exercise. I started spinning classes. I joined a netball team.
I hadn't even realised how much I had been hiding before.
I could walk into a pub surrounded by friends and still find a corner to disappear into. I wouldn't get on the dance floor unless someone physically dragged me. I certainly wasn't grabbing the karaoke mic, and there was no chance I was volunteering for the kids vs parents sports day!
Now I do all of those things — and more.
I look in the mirror with kindness now. Yes, I've still got lumps and bumps in all the wrong places. I'm not suddenly perfect, and I don't need to be.
The difference is that I no longer look at myself with loathing.
Slimming World hasn't just changed the number on the scales or the size on the label in my clothes.
It has given me my spark back.
It has given me the confidence to say yes, to join in, to make memories, to embarrass my kids 😂 and most importantly, to live my life rather than just exist in it.
And one of the very best parts of this journey is that I've made some wonderful friends along the way. ❤️
I walked through those doors wanting to lose weight.
I didn't realise I was going to find myself again too. ❤️
