Slimming World help woman's weight loss transformation

She had struggled with weight all her life because of health issues.

Christine, of Hindley Green, said: “I’ve got an underactive thyroid which makes your metabolism become sluggish.

“Even though I did a lot of competitive swimming and sports at school, I was always on the bigger side. I piled weight on.”

Over the years, she tried to lose weight, but her health condition didn’t make it easy.

She said: “I’d tried umpteen diets and always failed and gave up. I’ve done them all.”

At age 50, Christine joined Daisy Hill’s Slimming World and finally found a “perfect” diet.

She said: “It was quite easy to follow, you were never hungry.

“I had the treats I wanted so I wasn’t depriving myself. It was great.”

Christine Sumner (Image: Catherine Cleary)

The Slimming World diet allowed her to eat as many “free foods” or vegetables and lean meats as she wanted along with some “sin” foods, crisps and chocolate. And it paid dividends.

She lost eight stone, keeping it off for four and a half years. She was happy to hit her goal weight.

Then coronavirus hit and life got complicated.

She said: “I had two operations.

“Then during Christmas, I lost my brother-in-law, he was in the hospice for a month.

“I ended up putting the weight back on because I comfort ate. I just kept eating the wrong foods, I could see it spiralling out of control.”

But she became determined and re-committed herself to weight loss. And Slimming World.

Christine said: “I re-joined just before Christmas.

I made that choice that I’ve got to do this.  

“Even though it was an upsetting time, I was in the right frame of mind. I’m just so glad I did it.”

Once again, Slimming World paid dividends.

Now, at 60, she has lost three and a half stone. And is working toward her goal weight.

She said: “With having a thyroid problem, a lot of people use it as an excuse because you gain weight. I know I have.

“But, I’ve got this feeling that if I can do it anybody can do it. I would say just do it, take the plunge, you won’t regret it.”

She has inspired loved ones to get healthier with Slimming World.

She said: “The diet is brilliant. I’m always telling my friend about it and a lot of joined because they’ve seen a difference in me.

My husband lost 3.5 stone with it. He saw how well I was doing the first time round and said he wanted to come to class.

“He had ailments and he’s overcome all of them due to the weight loss. He’s in a lot happier place for it.”

Christine’s health has blossomed as she’s taken on the challenge.

She said: “I’m a much happier and healthier person. I just got my blood done and everything had come back clear, considering when you’re 60 you start seeing illnesses like diabetes.”

Christine Sumner, before and after (Image: Catherine Cleary)

She has seen other surprising health benefits as well.

She said: “I used to drink socially on occasion, but I gave up alcohol when I joined Slimming World only because I wanted chocolate and crisps as my ‘sin’ food.

“One month led to two months, and this August it’s been nine years since I’ve touched any alcohol.

“And it just doesn’t bother me.”

When she looks back at all she’s achieved, Christine gets emotional.

She said: “I still cry when I put on a certain pair of trousers and they’ve got the tags on. It’s just a wonderful feeling.

“I went to Majorca with my husband for our 60th birthday present and was able to pick all the right foods. I swam and walked almost every day. I felt great.

“All the clothes I couldn’t wear for previous holidays that had tags on I was able to take with me.

“And I wore them with pride.

“I was so happy and overwhelmed that I cried. When I came out in the costume I wore the previous year, my husband said, ‘Oh my, you’re half the person.’

“It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Catherine Cleary, the group's consultant, said: “Christine’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the embrace of a healthier way of living.

“With each passing day, Christine is not only transforming her own life but also inspiring others in the Slimming World community.

“Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the positive impact of a supportive community.” 

You can join Catherine Cleary’s Slimming World sessions on Thursdays in Cornerstone Church Wigan Road in Westhoughton. Evening sessions will become available.