Over a decade ago, Co Antrim woman Janette Cummings was putting all her time and energy into being a wife, mum and her job.
She couldn’t focus on herself and even though she knew she had put weight on, Janette was reluctant to admit it.
Over a period of time, the 52-year-old from Loughguile was appearing in fewer photographs and hated catching sight of herself in the mirror.
Read more: Multi-tasking NI mum on how her weight loss journey led to 'a new lease on life'
The final straw came when a close family member had a conversation with her about how worried they were over her weight gain.
For Janette, this cut deep. She was ashamed and devastated.
But she decided to take action and joined her local Slimming World group. Walking through the doors and stepping on the scale was one of the most difficult things Janette has ever done.
"Admitting I had a problem was hard," she said. "I decided then and there that I would never weigh that much again! I went home that night and just wanted to cry. Instead, I read through the books and got stuck in."
Janette soon learned how to cook delicious, healthy meals and how to change her relationship with food.
"Slimming World offered me the freedom to eat great tasting food and maintain my target weight," she said.
Janette achieved her target weight, losing 4stone 7lbs within seven and a half months of joining in August 2010. She has managed to remain at that target for 12 years and she still attends her group every week.
By attending her group every week and playing a very important role as a member of the social team, helping to run her local group, Janette has remained committed to her promise to herself.
"Transformation begins in the mind, but needs to be nurtured and tended. The group helps to keep me motivated and provides me with support and encouragement, shared stories, and some great laughs!" she added.
Before joining Slimming World, Janette experienced frequent chest pains and was breathless after completing simple tasks around the house. Her blood pressure was quite high and her doctor was concerned about her health.
Janette now walks around 15,000 steps per day, has normal blood pressure and no chest pains. She is more confident, happier and healthier than she has ever been.
She added: "I am always in control as this is a life-long journey, but it's my choice. Every day I choose this life and remind myself of all the ways in which my life has changed. Not only am I happier and healthier, I'm more confident, and have improved my self-esteem and self-worth.
"My journey made me focus more on myself, and once I realised that I was better able to care for my family when I was cared for, that changed my goals.”
Janette has this advice to anyone who has never been to a Slimming World group or anyone thinking of joining: "Go for it! You will not regret it. Taking the first step is honestly the hardest, but once you are through the doors, the consultant and the group will embrace you with love and understanding.
"It's such a safe place for me. Slimming World changed my life, please let it change yours!"
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