Several local residents say joining Slimming World groups across Caerphilly County Borough has helped them lose weight, improve their health and build confidence.
From Bedwas to Blackwood and Ystrad Mynach, members say the support of their local groups has played a key role in helping them achieve lasting results.
“I’ve gained confidence and independence”
Goldie, from Bedwas, joined Slimming World after a serious injury left her struggling with mobility.
After fracturing her femur in 2017 – just six days after a knee replacement – everyday tasks became difficult and her weight began to rise as her activity levels dropped.
She decided to join the Slimming World group at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall.
“I wasn’t just carrying extra weight – I was living with the lasting impact of a life-changing injury. Joining the group gave me something to look forward to every week,” she said.
Goldie embraced Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan and has now lost more than four stone, reached her target weight and improved her mobility.
“I can now climb stairs with ease and I’ve gone from a size 16 to a size 10. I’ve gained confidence and independence along the way.”
“The best gift I could give my family”
Sarah Tucker joined Joe’s Slimming World group in Ystrad Mynach in September 2024 after promising her daughter she would make a lasting change.
Within 53 weeks she lost nine stone – half of her starting body weight.
“I’d spent years stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting,” she said. “By Valentine’s Day this year I had lost 9st – the best gift I could ever have given myself and my family.”
Sarah says everyday activities such as walking have become easier and she now enjoys longer walks with her daughter.
“I got my life back”
Mark Waterhouse says joining Slimming World changed his life.
Having struggled with his weight for years, he joined the Slimming World group at Woodbine in Blackwood.
“I walked through the doors with every excuse possible not to go in,” he said.
After losing 7½lbs in his first week, Mark kept going and within just over a year had lost more than 13st – over half of his body weight, going from 23st 3½lbs to 10st 3lbs.
Now at target weight, he has become a Slimming World consultant himself.
“My top tip is to keep track of everything you eat. Slimming World gave me my life back.”
“Taking control of my health”
Suzanne Morris, from Caerphilly, decided to make a change as she approached her 60th birthday.
“I knew I needed to take better care of myself,” she said.
Since joining a Slimming World group she has lost 5st 7lbs in a year and is now just two stone from her target weight.
“The encouragement and shared ideas really help, especially on the tougher weeks,” she said.
“I was given a second chance”
For Sharon Morgan, from Bargoed, joining Slimming World came after a serious health scare.
Eight years ago she was admitted to hospital with sepsis caused by a large abscess.
“If I hadn’t gone to hospital when I did, I wouldn’t have made it to the next day,” she said.
Sharon joined Slimming World in March 2017 and reached her target weight two years later after losing 12st.
“Now I’m living a full and healthy life,” she said. “Dreams do come true.”
• Start your journey to a slimmer, healthier you today. Slimming World Consultants can help you achieve your long-term goals with crucial nutritional advice in a supportive and friendly environment.
Find your nearest Slimming World group here or via SlimmingWorld.co.uk