02/09/2026
Another success story, Natalie (aka Mayor of Keswick )
In 2023, I was anxious, in pain and depressed. I was attending frequent physiotherapy appointments in an attempt to manage my physical symptoms and was also undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy for PTSD. Through my GP, I was having various tests to try and determine the cause of the pain I was experiencing.
One blood test result indicated that I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. When I next saw my GP, I was shocked to learn that this could put me at a higher risk of serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes and stroke. However, I was also told that making changes to my diet and lifestyle could improve my health.
At 32 years old, with an 11-year-old son and my wedding planned for March 2024, the potential implications of my diagnosis absolutely terrified me.
That was the moment I decided to join Slimming World in November 2023.
To say I was nervous would be an understatement. Over the years, I had tried countless well-known diets and fads. I had lost weight, felt successful, and then eventually regained it all — often with more besides. I had reached the point where I had convinced myself that I was happy being larger. I avoided cameras and photographs and would often try to be the loudest or funniest person in the room as a way of hiding my insecurities.
This time was different.
I didn’t join Slimming World because I wanted to be a certain dress size or because I wanted to reach a number on the scales. I joined because I wanted to improve my health and be there for my son and my family.
I walked into Sharon’s Slimming World group with my guard firmly up. I remember telling her that I was happy as I was and simply wanted to improve my health following my recent diagnosis. Sharon immediately put me at ease. She was realistic, kind and reassuring, and she made it clear that my goals were my own to set. There was no pressure to reach a particular BMI, clothing size or number on the scales.
I started by setting myself one-stone targets. I knew that putting too much pressure on myself could lead me straight back into the cycle of failure I had experienced so many times before.
Then came the moment I had been dreading: stepping on the scales.
I had avoided weighing myself for years. I told Sharon that I didn’t want to know what they said, but afterwards I couldn’t resist having a peek. Seeing that I weighed more than 19 stone was difficult. I felt ashamed and disgusted with myself, but instead of letting that moment defeat me, I decided it would be the beginning of something different.
It took me a little while to get my head around the plan, but the books, the app and Sharon’s guidance made everything feel achievable. The weight started to come off, and, more importantly, I began to believe that this time I could make changes that would last.
By New Year, I had lost my first stone and had joined a local Dance Fit class. By my Easter wedding, I had lost two stone. My wedding dress had to be significantly altered, and on my wedding day I felt beautiful and confident. For the first time, I wore a dress without sleeves — something I had previously felt incredibly self-conscious about.
It was the best day ever.
After a wonderful honeymoon in New York, I decided to take on Couch to 5K. To my absolute surprise, I discovered that I loved running! For the first time in my life, exercise wasn’t simply something I felt I should do. I had found activities that genuinely brought me joy.
During the summer of 2024, a rheumatologist confirmed that I had fibromyalgia. Despite this, I was determined to continue improving my overall health and wellbeing. I stayed committed to Slimming World while increasing my activity through running, Dance Fit, ballet, yoga, tap dancing and gym classes. Even my daily dog walks became easier as my stamina improved massively.
I had never had so much energy, confidence or zest for life.
I truly don’t believe I would have been able to achieve everything I have without Sharon, Slimming World and the incredible community around me. During the summer of 2024, I was honoured to be named Keswick Slimming World’s Woman of the Year. To be recognised by the people who had supported me throughout my journey meant more to me than I can put into words.
By autumn 2024, I felt ready to give something back to the town and community that I felt so lucky to be part of. I became a town councillor, and once again I experienced incredible support from those around me. In May 2025, I became Deputy Mayor of Keswick.
By the beginning of summer 2025, I had lost more than four and a half stone, had an ultrasound scan that showed no more non- alcoholic fatty liver disease and was once again voted Woman of the Year 2025 by my fellow Slimming World members. Their continued belief in me meant the world.
Then, in November 2025, after two years of commitment, I reached my target weight, having lost an incredible five and a half stone.
Becoming a target member was exciting, but I was also terrified. Every time I had reached a goal weight in the past, I had eventually regained the weight — and more. This time, however, I knew I didn’t have to do it alone.
With the encouragement of Sharon and my friends at Slimming World, I have maintained my target. I continue to attend group because, over the past two and a half years, it has become so much more than somewhere I go to weigh in. I have made wonderful friendships and received endless support and encouragement. Tears have turned into laughter, and I have never left a group feeling anything but positive.
In May 2026, I became the Mayor of Keswick.
If you had told the Natalie who walked through the doors of Slimming World in 2023 — anxious, in pain, depressed and hiding from photographs — that she would one day become the Mayor, I simply would never have believed you.
There is no doubt that I am happier and healthier in every way. I am more confident, less anxious and better able to manage the stressful situations that life throws at me. I am now someone who loves to say yes to opportunities rather than allowing fear or self-doubt to hold me back.
Slimming World has helped me lose five and a half stone, but what I have gained is so much greater.
I have gained confidence. I have gained energy. I have gained friendships and a sense of community. I have discovered a love of movement and activities I never thought I would enjoy. I have gained the courage to give back to my community, become a councillor, Deputy Mayor and, now, Mayor of Keswick.
Most importantly, I feel that I have gained myself.
I am a better mum, partner, SEND teacher, friend and family member. I embrace life now. I say yes. I take photographs. I wear the clothes I once thought I could never wear. I run, dance, laugh and look forward to the future.
My journey began because I was frightened for my health. I joined Slimming World to change my future. I never could have imagined just how much it would change my life.
