A woman has transformed her mindset and lifestyle by losing more than seven stone in body weight throughout the pandemic.
Paige Elsender has gained confidence from the transformation which she says has reduced her anxiety and depression.
The 23-year-old was frightened to go out alone or take part in social activities with friends for fear of being told she was “too big” when she weighed 23 stone 6.6lbs.
Paige revealed even going to the pub with friends left her terrified in case she would break a wooden chair when she sat on it.
The nursing assistant said her turning point came in January 2020 when she decided to join her local slimming world group but was dealt a set back when the covid pandemic struck two months later.
However, with the help of her consultant Paige found a new routine and has lost an incredible 7st 2lb and is now a size 14, weighing 16st 5lb.
Paige said: “I was conscious of my weight all of the time, it was always in the back of my mind.
“I constantly felt unhealthy and unhappy, I had no confidence and I hated speaking in front of people.
“I hated talking directly to people and I just didn’t want to meet new people at all.”
Starting out as a size 28, Paige, from North Tyneside overhauled her diet and lifestyle, swapping boozy nights out and takeaways for homemade meals and even taking up ice skating.
When the pandemic hit the country in March, she was left wondering whether she could continue losing weight.
“I had a phone call with my consultant and, thankfully, I decided to continue to plough on through during lockdown,” she said.
“I continued to lose weight and I still attend today.”
And Paige is planning to continue her weight loss journey with the Slimming World group at West Allotment Community Centre in Shiremoor group as we begin the 2022, according to Chronicle Live.
“Being slimmer, I’m a lot more confident,” she said.
“I’m so much happier, I feel free and I don’t feel scared to do ‘normal’ things anymore.”
She continued: “Slimming World is the best thing I have ever done.
“Not just for my physical health but for my mental health as well.
“I suffer from bad anxiety and depression, which takes a toll on my day-to-day life, but since losing weight, I’ve gained more confidence to tackle some of the things that make me anxious, such as going out alone.
“I can go into town on my own now, I can get on public transport and I’m able to talk to people.”
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