An Ayrshire woman has lost an astonishing nine-and-a-half stone after admitting a 'humiliating' incident on a flight was the final straw.
Fiona Barr said that having to ask for a seatbelt extension on a plane was so embarrassing that it sparked a life-changing journey.
The 47-year-old from Beith 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.
Fiona was so embarrassed about her weight that she joined a Slimming World class almost 10 miles away in Johnstone, Renfrewshire.
And 10 years on from that pivotal moment, the civil servant has reclaimed her health and lost a lot of weight in the process.
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 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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