A woman who is celebrating a decade of healthy living has this week thanked her Johnstone friends for helping turn her life around.
Fiona Barr lost an incredible nine-and-a-half stone after joining the Slimming World Class in 2013.
The then 47-year-old had ballooned in weight after a number of devastating blows, including the loss of her mother, saw her retreat from life and pile on the pounds with comfort food.
So embarrassed about her weight, Fiona, who is from Beith, North Ayrshire, decided to join a weight-loss group miles from her home town.
But 10 years later, the civil servant is thanking her Johnstone friends and club members for supporting her in her fight to reclaim herself and her health.
She said: “Back in 2013 my weight ballooned mostly due to various personal issues, one major one being the loss of my mum.
“Being completely humiliated and embarrassed at having to ask for a seat belt extension on a flight was the final straw.
“I started my Slimming World journey on July 31, 2013 in another town from where I live because I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself.
“The class I chose to attend was in Johnstone and it was so welcoming and friendly. I never felt judged when I walked in and I have never looked back.
“I was so focused and encouraged that I got to my target weight on the August 14, 2014 having lost 8st.”
More importantly for Fiona than the weight loss was the growth in confidence and the social side of the club – which after a tough few years was just what she needed.
She added: “The weight loss made me feel great and my confidence had grown, going into high street shops to buy clothes was a dream come true.
“I continued going to group and became a member of the social team which I loved. I didn’t just lose weight, I gained more confidence and a best friend, Tracy, who is a fellow member at group.
“Thanks to the support of my fellow members and consultants over the years, including my current consultant Grace and members of the Tuesday evening Johnstone group, I am the healthiest, happiest most confident I have ever been. Slimming World gave me my life back.”
Fiona stayed within target for five years and continued going to the Johnstone group. But for her, like so many, the Covid-19 pandemic threw up some new challenges.
With the weekly in-person support classes cancelled and lockdowns having an impact on a lot of people’s waistlines, Fiona put on 11 pounds.
However, when the slimming group reconvened with new leader Grace Neill, Fiona was the first through the door to regain control of her weight.
She said: “I slowly noticed some bad habits creeping back in during the pandemic.
“Groups were running virtually over Zoom but as soon as they reopened in real life at our new venue on Houston Square in Johnstone I was one of the first members back through the doors.
“In that time I had gained 11lbs but was ready for the new chapter in my Slimming World journey. I lost that 11lbs plus more and lowered my target, now sitting with a total weight loss of nine-and-a-half stone.”
The weight loss has provided so many benefits for Fiona. As an asthma sufferer, she previously used inhalers daily and has noticed an improvement in her skim and hair since adopting a healthier lifestyle.
For more information on the Johnstone Slimming World class, call Grace Neill on 07928 531481.
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