Why Katie is Glossop's woman of the year!

A super slimmer has been named Glossop's Slimming World 'Woman of the Year' 2019, thanks to her incredible 5st weight loss.

Katie, 32, from Glossop, has slimmed from 23 stone to 18 stone in just 14 months.

And now she’s been chosen to represent the Glossop Slimming World group in the nationwide Slimming World Woman of the Year 2019 competition, which aims to find the UK and Ireland’s most inspiring female slimmer.

Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition celebrates the achievements of thousands of women up and down the country who have made long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

Katie joined Slimming World in June 2018 after feeling unhappy about her size.

“When I first joined group, I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now,” she said.

“Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life. My health has improved, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin. Joining Lizzy’s group is the best thing I’ve ever done.

"I’ve lost weight before but have always felt like I was starving myself and ended up putting all my weight back on and more. I haven’t ever felt hungry at all since starting Slimming World and have gained confidence in myself. I’m nowhere near my target yet, but with Lizzy’s support I know that I’ll get there.

"Lizzy is always supportive and encouraging. I can highly recommend her group to anybody wanting to lose weight. My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight. I still eat all my favourite meals, like cooked breakfasts, curries and roast dinners.

"I just prepare and cook them differently now and they taste so much better. I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. I’ve picked up so many tips and healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too.

“I know it can feel like a big step joining Slimming World because you don’t know what to expect, but, right from the first moment I walked into my group I was made to feel at ease, and the support I’ve received has been amazing. I look forward to going each week to catch up with all of my new friends – I just love it!”

Katie lost 16lbs in her first month and was blown away that the changes she’d made had such a big impact so quickly. As the weight started to come off, she started to think about how active she was and Katie now loves going to the gym, walking and swimming.

She says: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 14 months ago and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group. I remember feeling like I would never be happy in my own skin again, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.

"I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at the Glossop group with Lizzy. My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do."

Lizzy, who runs the Glossop group, says: “I’m so proud of Katie. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Glossop to change their lives in the same way.”

The Slimming World Glossop with Lizzy group is held every Thursday at 7.30pm at Glossop North End. To join or find out more, call Lizzy on 07444 420356.