Lanarkshire teacher beats 'crippling' heartburn losing 4.5 stone with Slimming World

Yvonne Waring is now walking the equivalent from John O'Groats to Land's End.

When East Kilbride teacher Yvonne Waring realised that her weight was stopping her living the life she wanted to, she knew she had to make a change.

Before joining Slimming World, she had "crippling" heartburn, shortness of breath and got tired really easily when walking long distances.

Now 4st 7lbs lighter, Yvonne is happy all of this is now under control now as she walks everywhere.

And after completing the NC500 virtual challenge, she is now walking the equivalent from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Yvonne says she’s delighted to have found a way to lose weight without having to give up her favourite meals or socialising with friends.

“Joining the Westwood Tuesday evening Slimming World group has been a life-changing experience for me and I was amazed it worked – I lost weight without depriving myself and feeling miserable", she said.

"When my consultant Margaret explained how Slimming World’s plan worked it felt like a total game-changer. I started making simple swaps, enjoying real food and seeing results fast.

"I felt the difference, and for the first time, I knew these changes were something I could stick with. Holidays were always an indulgence of food and drink and all my holiday photos seemed to be of me with a drink and a big meal in front of me. Now, I am comfortable making swaps and still enjoying my holiday but feeling more in control."

Yvonne says she is now "never hungry", and loves the science behind the Food Optimising plan.

"I love that there is an abundance of Free Food to fill up on as well as the Speed Free foods to help speed up your weight loss", she added.

"I love meals like burger pasta and making my own tomato sauce. I also love making a quick salad and I love that I can always Food Optimise a BBQ. The Slimming World range at Iceland is brilliant if you are looking for convenience.

"I always thought that it was a no-brainer that if you eat less fatty and high sugar foods that you would lose weight but trying to do it on my own has never worked."

Yvonne, who achieved her dream weight in June this year, praised the support from her group as "incredible", adding that sharing experiences, recipes, and ideas "made all the difference".

She said: "I couldn’t have done it alone. Being surrounded by people who understand the ups and downs of weight loss, without guilt or judgement, was vital. Each week, I left with fresh motivation, practical tips, and the confidence to keep going.

"The group’s encouragement – along with my consultant Margaret’s support – helped me tackle challenges, build healthier habits, and stay committed. That weekly accountability was key – you don’t always see your own progress until others point it out, and that kept me pushing forward.

"Joining Slimming World was the best decision I ever made. The healthy habits I’ve built with my group are now second nature. I’ve transformed how I eat, how I think about food, and I’ve made regular activity part of my routine. I’m more confident than ever, and for the first time, I truly believe I can maintain my weight loss for life."

Yvonne’s story comes as an online survey of 2000 people commissioned by the UK and Ireland’s largest weight-loss organisation Slimming World found food is our love language as those who talk about what they’re having for dinner do so a whopping 48 hours a year.

Three quarters of the UK adults questioned (76 per cent) say enjoying food with others brings people together.

Margaret McLaughlin, who runs the Westwood Tuesday evening Slimming World group, said: "I am so proud or Yvonne. Her commitment to reaching her dream weight was absolutely amazing to watch as her consultant and also inspirational for other members of the group who have seen her reach it. This was all whilst still enjoying the foods she loves and her holidays. I am delighted for her."

The Westwood group runs every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7pm in Our Lady of Lourdes and the Mossneuk group every Saturday at 8am and 9.30am in Mossneuk Parish Church.

To join contact Margaret on 07478 714644.

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