Suzanne Jones and Elaine Leary launch Slimming World groups in Stowmarket and Needham Market
New consultants have launched their own groups in Suffolk following their own weight loss successes.
Suzanne Jones and Elaine Leary have welcomed visitors to their new Slimming World groups in Stowmarket and Needham Market.
Suzanne’s transformation began after she found herself struggling to keep up with her energetic grandchildren and was experiencing discomfort during daily activities.
She said the tipping point came during a shopping trip with friends when she found herself stuck in a dress that was too small. This humiliating experience, coupled with persistent aches and breathlessness, led her to seek medical advice.
After a visit to the GP revealed some alarming results – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetes – Suzanne knew it was time for a change.
She found a local Slimming World group but she still didn’t feel ready to go inside the hall and would often drive to meetings only to turn back home.
However, it was her granddaughter’s christening that pushed her to finally take action after her fears of appearing in other people’s photos motivated her to finally go the group with the support of her husband.
After this first visit, Suzanne never looked back and was able to reach her target weight by last November after swapping high-sugar treats for healthier options and identifying her trigger foods, like chocolate, which she decided to avoid entirely.
She also started to incorporate physical activity into her life including gym visits, walking, and swimming, gradually building her confidence and fitness levels.
Suzanne has now launched her own Slimming World group at Stowmarket Town Football Club on Thursdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. More information on the group can be found here.
Elaine’s weight loss journey began in August 2017 when she was at her heaviest which she believed was due to medication following her battle with breast cancer.
Diagnosed three years prior, Elaine underwent a mastectomy, reconstruction, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. She joined her local Slimming World group in Romford with doubts about returning to a healthy weight due to her treatments.
However, she found reassurance in her consultant Dianne who helped her follow a food optimisation plan to fit with her busy lifestyle and still enjoy food without feeling deprived.
By May 2019, Elaine lost three stone and nine pounds – reaching her target weight and maintaining it for nine months until the pandemic disrupted her routine.
She moved to Suffolk three years and rejoined Slimming World in July 2023 in Stowmarket and she said she is delighted to to get back down to her target weight.
Elaine credits her success to understanding her triggers (bread, cheese, and alcohol) and making healthier choices.
She rewards herself with activities like yoga and walking while staying engaged with her Slimming World group. She also said participating in image therapy had been crucial to her journey.
Elaine has now launched her own group at Needham Market Community Centre which meets on Tuesdays at 5.30pm and 7pm. More information on the group can be found here.
Both Suzanne and Elaine are eager to help others achieve their weight loss goals and embrace healthier lifestyles by using their own experiences to support their new group members.
