After 15 years struggling with disordered eating - and even unsuccessfully resorting to hypnotism - a Gateshead mum finally found a safe way of controlling her habits at a Slimming World group.
Now, Carly Scott, 38, has set up her own group and wants to help others to find the support they need. Carly struggled with her weight and was caught in a cycle of binges and purges. After binging she would starve herself or "punish herself" with exercise, she said.
But after her children - she is a mum-of-three - began to pick up on her struggles, she was spurred on to join a local Slimming World group where she has built a healthier relationship with food.
Carly said: “I’d lived with this illness for too long and I couldn’t keep it a secret for much longer. I felt deceitful and guilty all the time which affected my self-esteem and self-worth. I’d heard about Slimming World through a work colleague, and I thought I’d give it a go, it was my last option.
"“I’ll be honest, I didn’t believe it would work and I was also very scared to put my trust in a food plan where I could actually eat carbs because in my mind, they were forbidden but I was so low, and I knew I needed to change. Slimming World was my saviour, and it has changed my life forever. I lost three pounds in my first week and I ate potatoes! In fact, I ate loads."
She said the key had been the support from her group which helped with the psychological changes in her mindset she felt "needed to take place.
“The biggest thing for me though was the time in group to help support me with the psychological changes that needed to take place.”
Carly began to struggle with her body image at the age 14. She said: "I would starve myself all day or eat very little because I thought that is how I would lose weight and stay slim. By the time it got to tea time I was starving. I’d argue with myself not to eat this or that but then I’d spiral out of control and literally could consume 3000 calories or more in the space of an hour.
"Food was always on my mind but I didn’t know how to consume it without gaining weight. I would make bad choices, and I became a secret eater, grabbing crisps and chocolate as I could eat them quickly without anyone noticing.
"I was riddled with guilt and my moods were all over the place. I was in a vicious cycle, and I had lost control. It was such a dark place, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone."
Carly said that going to a group had changed everything. She added: "My group and my Slimming World consultant kept me going. I can now eat the foods I love without feeling guilty and still lose weight. I now walk to help my mindset and I never go hungry as I enjoy meals out now with no guilt and I can eat with my family."
Carly has maintained a weight loss of about one stone and nine pounds and is now launching her own group to help others. She added: "I am super excited to support others achieve their dreams with me, so if you or you know someone out there like me and wants support to lead a healthy balanced lifestyle please come along to my group."
She said there would be no judgement or humiliation, but a "lovely warm welcome" and added: "The magic of Slimming World is there is no calorie counting, the plan does it for you which eases any pressure and as a slimmer that is so important. In our group sessions, which are called Image Therapy, you will learn about yourself as a slimmer and become more confident each week."
Carly’s group runs at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Low Fell on Mondays at 9.30am. To join, just turn up or call her on 07717493532.
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