A Buddie has regained her confidence after she shed five stones in the space of just eight months after joining a slimming group.
Naiomi Chappell, from Paisley, weighed more than 17 stones when she decided to join the Slimming World programme.
She found herself motivated to improve her diet and exercise by being inspired by others.
The 28-year-old – who works as a cleaner in Bishopton Primary School – said she is a lot happier after losing the weight and is more active than ever, making her job easier. Speaking to the Paisley Daily Express, Naiomi said: “I began my journey in April last year and since then I have lost over five stones.
“After losing the weight I am happier and confident in myself as well. Before I started my weight loss journey I didn’t have a lot of confidence but Slimming World has helped me gain that.
“I was such a quiet person and I didn’t like to go out in groups but seeing other people in the group and their journey – it has made me a more confident person.
“From the beginning I experienced big losses every week. It just makes me more determined to do it by seeing the scales come down every single week. Although at Christmas there were a few gains, but I know now when to enjoy myself.”
And confidence has been a huge talking point amongst slimmers as new research has shown that over half of those who take part in the classes diet in secret due to fear of “failing or being judged”, according to Slimming World.
The study of 2,000 adults who are trying to slim down found that even of those who are open about losing weight, 83 per cent have embarked on a weight loss attempt on their own.
And Naiomi is determined she will continue to attend the classes to hit her goal and recommends others to get the courage.
She said: “I will continue going to the group to reach my desired weight. I would love to inspire others to go and get what they want with their weight loss and reassure them that they are not alone.”
Naiomi’s Slimming World consultant Lynne McMillian says she is “so proud” of her and is glad that she joined the class.
Lynne said: “When someone joins Slimming World they expect it to be restrictive and prescriptive – but it really isn’t.
“Slimming World’s food optimising eating plan is flexible enough to fit around everyone’s life. To hear how Naiomi struggled before she joined our group, I am so pleased that she found us.
“With the support of our group she has lost the weight she wanted to lose, is much healthier and happier and has kept the weight off! With Slimming World, it is much easier than doing it on your own.”
If anyone would like more information, call Lynne on 07761 722842 or go along to her groups on a Monday at 9.30am, 5.30pm or 7pm.
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