Eleanor Brown said she previously ‘avoided leaving the house’ because she was ‘so embarrassed’ about her size
A mother-of-three who was once too embarrassed to leave the house made two changes to help her shed 6st and revolutionise her life. Eleanor Brown, 24, dropped 8lbs in her first week, which she describes as “life-changing”.
The 24-year-old states she’s not only reduced her weight but saved money and transformed her mental health since joining Slimming World after years of attempting fad diets. She tried numerous different weight loss efforts before turning to Slimming World, inspired by her grandmother, which prompted her to alter how she cooked and how she ate.
Eleanor from Middleton in Leeds explains: “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.
“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.”
She described how she had witnessed her grandmother, Joan, transform her life with Slimming World and accompanied her one evening to discover what it involved. She expected it to be full of older people but was in for a surprise, reports the Mirror.
She explains: “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!”
She continues: “I’ve been conscious of my weight for as long as I can remember. 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. What’s really helped is going along to my Slimming World group each week and learning how to make everyday meals healthier. It’s those practical changes like picking up easy, family‑friendly recipes that have made all the difference.
“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.”
There have been some changes which have saved money as well as calories – but not at the expense of taste. Eleanor stated: “We used to rely on takeaways. Now I make healthy versions of our favourites at 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. Establishing healthy habits for life is what Slimming World is all about and I’m so glad I found my local group when I did – now I know how to make healthy eating affordable.
Eleanor says so much has changed in such a short time. She reflects: “Looking back now, if I could say anything to myself at that time, it would be: ‘You’re about to make one of the best decisions you’ve ever made, and there’s no looking back. It will change your life in the best way possible and it’ll be a lot easier than you expect’.”
Eleanor’s journey mirrors recent research indicating that Slimming World group members aged 18–34 are shedding weight, gaining confidence, enhancing their physical and mental health, and establishing healthy habits for life. The study [1] of over 3,200 Slimming World members within this age bracket revealed an average weight loss of 12 per cent of their body weight – approximately 2st 1lb (13kg), with many members losing significantly more.
However, the research highlighted that the advantages of being a Slimming World member extend beyond physical transformation: 92 per cent feel part of a supportive community; 89 per cent report a healthier relationship with food and 59 per cent state their mental wellbeing has improved.
These results emerge as experts say that younger adults are at the highest risk of future weight gain. Global studies forecast that by 2050, one in three children, teenagers and young adults could be overweight or obese.
Research also indicates that families who adopt healthy habits together are more likely to lose weight and maintain it – with two thirds of members living with children (66 per cent) claiming they have influenced their children to eat healthier meals.
Eleanor, who lives with her partner James and their three children Grace, seven, Evan, four and Laila, two, was so inspired by the positive impact weight loss has had on her life, she has now become a Slimming World Consultant herself, leading her own groups in Leeds.
Carolyn Pallister, Registered Dietitian and Head of Nutrition, Research and Health at Slimming World, states: “Our research shows that being part of a supportive group doesn’t just help you lose weight – it helps you change your life.”
Eleanor’s Slimming World Consultant, Jane Masefield, praises her progress: “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.
“Her honesty, determination, and openness have inspired everyone around her. At Slimming World, we know that real connection makes all the difference, and Eleanor’s story shows that with the right support and a caring community, truly life-changing things can happen.”
Charlotte Miller, Co-Founder of Intergenerational England, comments: “What Slimming World’s research shows so clearly is that this isn’t just about weight loss, it’s about belonging. In a society that’s become increasingly age-segregated, there are very few places where people of different ages and life stages come together naturally. Groups like Slimming World are one of those rare spaces, where feeling supported, seen and connected helps change become easier, more sustainable and better for both physical and mental wellbeing.”
To find you local Slimming World group visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
Eleanor’s statistics
Starting weight: 16st 9lbs/105.7kg
Weight lost: 6st 4lbs/39.9kg
Current weight: 10st 5lbs/65.8kg
Height: 5ft 4in/163cm