A WOMAN who lost 11 stone during lockdown has now reversed and controlled health conditions such as type 2 Diabetes and a hernia the size of a football.

Donna Appleby, 52, used food as “a crutch” and her previous diet consisted largely of takeaways and ready meals, which she says made her feel guilty afterwards - leading to more comfort eating. “I was an emotional eater; whether I was sad, bored or even happy I’d eat lots of chocolate, cakes or biscuits,” said Donna.

Since joining Shipley Slimming World, she has lost an incredible 11 stone in 16 months, including 12 months of lockdowns during the pandemic, which put a stop to face-to-face classes. Donna previously suffered from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnoea, severe joint pain and a football-sized umbilical hernia, but since losing weight she says these conditions have been reversed or are controlled.

Donna wanted to get her health under control, but was worried about walking into a Slimming World group because she thought people would stare at her. “I needn’t have worried,” she said. “Everyone was so friendly and there was zero judgement.”

Now she enjoys homemade ‘fakeaway’ Chinese meals and air-fried chips. Slimming World’s approach allows members to eat an unlimited amount of low energy dense ‘Free Foods’ which include pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World head of nutrition and scientific affairs says: “The approach behind Food Optimising has always been based on science: not just physiological science of weight loss but how we think about food, weight and the process of losing weight.”

Says Donna: “The support from group is amazing and paramount to losing weight, from picking up tips and new recipes to everyone being there for me on a bad week as well as a good one. The best thing is the camaraderie. Everyone’s in the same boat, there’s no judging.”

Slimming World’s activity programme, Body Magic, encourages members to become more active, until physical activity becomes daily routine. Donna regularly swims, walks her dog and she loves to dance around the house. Her advice to anyone thinking of joining is: “Don’t think twice, just do it. It will be the best decision you ever make.”

Liz Garrity, Slimming World consultant at Caroline Street Club in Saltaire, which Donna attends, said: “I’m so proud of all my members, they’re so supportive of one another, like one big family.”

* The group runs Tuesdays at 5.45pm and Fridays at 9.30am and 11am. Call Liz on 0771 9437486.