Real Success

Leanne Needham from Sheffield has been named Slimming World’s Young Slimmer of the Year 2009 after completely turning her life around in two years. After losing 7st 3lbs Leanne’s overcome her health problems, gained her confidence back and is ready for a rewarding new career. Leanne shares her story with us here…

“My weight problem had such a massive effect on my life. My health was poor; I constantly suffered from headaches and colds and even walking left me in pain and out of breath. I’d been bullied since the age of 10 because of my size – a classmate once told me it was time I went to ‘fat club’.

“I first began dieting at 12 and my weight yo-yoed. I always felt hungry and restricted and the diets never worked because they weren’t suited to normal everyday life.

“The problem escalated at university when I began to skip lectures as I couldn’t fit comfortably into the seats. My grades began to suffer and I found socialising difficult as I was embarrassed by my size. I constantly felt run down and tired and suffered from back pain, sciatica and high blood pressure.

“When my doctor said that losing weight could help me overcome these problems I knew I had to make a change. A family friend had already turned her life around with Slimming World so, with the support of my Mum, I decided to join and I haven’t looked back since.”

“I love Food Optimising and it fits perfectly into my vegetarian diet. For breakfast I’ll tuck into Quorn sausages, wholemeal toast, eggs, tomatoes and beans, then a big bowl of pasta with tomato sauce for lunch. For dinner I’ll enjoy a home-cooked healthy curry with Slimming World chips and I can even enjoy treats like a Kit Kat or Curly Wurly without feeling guilty.

“I began to gradually introduce activity, making swimming, running and gym classes part of my routine. Last Christmas I even swam 22 miles across the English Channel!

“Before losing weight I really lacked confidence - I felt disgusted by my appearance and used to hide indoors. When you’re overweight and your confidence is low you’re easily knocked. At the same time people can be quite insensitive. Once, when getting into the inflatable ring to ride the slide at a waterpark, the lifeguard told me to go behind my boyfriend as the heaviest had to go at the back. I was so humiliated I

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wanted to be sick. I ran off crying and refused to go on any other rides.

“Nowadays life is very different - I’m really outgoing and love socialising. My friendships have improved and people say I’m like a new person. The support I’ve received at group from my Consultant and my fellow members – especially my Mum, who has also lost 2 stone - has been amazing and has really built my confidence.

“After going to America last year to work in a children’s camp for three months I knew I’d turned a corner. Away from my normal surroundings and with junk food readily available I stuck to the plan and kept in touch with my Consultant by email. I was even more amazed than she was when I managed to lose a stone while I was there! That’s when I knew it really was a change for life.

"I’m now set to start training to become a teacher in September – a job I’d never have had the confidence to do before. Losing weight has given me a whole new perspective. I’m happier, healthier and I’m working towards a dream career. I’ve got my whole life ahead of me and, thanks to Slimming World, I’m enjoying every minute.”

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