Eleanor Brown was once so ashamed of her weight she avoided leaving her family home in Leeds, but a key conversation set her on the road to changing her appearance – and her life
A mum-of-three says people think she’s lost six stone from weight loss injections – but in fact it was thanks to a piece of sage advice.
Eleanor Brown, 24, has been desperate to lose weight for years, trying fad diets and weight loss pills. The mum, who lives with her partner James and her three children Grace, seven, Evan, four and Laila, two, got to the point where she even avoided leaving the house, ashamed of her size.
But she finally transformed her life after being inspired to join her local Slimming World group by her grandmother. “People assume I’ve used weight loss injections but I lost weight by eating healthily.” She says it has now saved her money and transformed her mental health.
Eleanor from Middleton in Leeds says: “Like lots of mums, for years I put myself last. My weight crept up after my second baby during lockdown – I went from 13st to nearly 17st in what felt like no time.
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“I was struggling with crippling back pain and I felt desperate. I went to the doctor who prescribed weight loss pills, but they did nothing. Diets were even worse – restrictive, miserable and I’d quit by day two. Something had to change.
“I watched my grandma, Joan, transform her life with Slimming World. One evening I joined her to see what it was all about.
“I expected the room to be full of people her age, yet I was amazed to find other young parents as well as men and women from all walks of life and all ages.
“I’ve made so many new friends as we’re all united by the same goal of losing weight and leading healthier lifestyles.
“That first week I threw myself into the healthy eating plan and I lost 8lbs. It was a life changing moment for me. For the first time, I realised losing weight was possible!”
Gran Joan, 77, lost 3st at Slimming World and had been waiting for Eleanor to join her for ages and loves her granddaughter being at club meetings.
“Sharing my experience at my Slimming World group with Eleanor has made it extra special, it’s been lovely and I’m so proud of her.”
She said she knew joining would have a huge impact on her granddaughter who had been conscious of her weight since she was a child.
Eleanor explained: “I did ballet as a child and I begged my mum to buy the DVD so I could watch myself. We rushed home, put it on and when my part came, I asked her to point me out. The moment she did, I burst out crying saying: ‘I don’t want to be the little fat one.’ That insecurity stayed with me for years.
“A lot of people assume I’ve lost weight using injections and they’re always surprised when I explain it’s simply down to changing the way I cook and eat.
“Before losing weight, I was constantly exhausted and felt mentally drained. I avoided leaving the house because I didn’t want to be seen – I was so embarrassed about my size.
“Now, I look forward to going out and getting dressed up. I’m so much more confident – I even spoke at my sister’s baby shower, something I’d never have done before.
“Everything is different now. I’m happier, healthier and confident. I’ve gone from avoiding exercise to running alongside my son while he learns to ride his bike. I no longer have crippling back pain and I don’t get out of breath walking up the stairs.”
She says she swapped their regular takeaways to healthy versions oat home – chicken Szechuan, pizza and kebabs.
“I get inspiration for recipes from TikTok. People think eating healthily is expensive, but a takeaway can cost £30 for one meal,” she points out.
New research from Slimming World of more than 3,200 members aged 18 to 34 found they lost an average of 12 per cent of their body weight – around 2st 1lb (13kg) with many members losing much more.
And it found benefits of being a Slimming World member go far beyond physical change: 92 per cent feel part of a supportive community; 89 per cent report a healthier relationship with food and 59 per cent say their mental wellbeing has improved.
Research also shows that families who share healthy habits are more likely to lose weight and keep it off – with two thirds of members living with children (66 per cent) saying they influenced their children to eat healthier meal.
Jane Masefield is Eleanor’s Slimming World Consultant. Jane says: “Eleanor has been nothing short of amazing.
“Watching her grow in confidence and positivity has been such a joy.
“From the very start, she embraced the support of her group and quickly became a cheerleader for others. ”
