Jade Clarkson from Chelmsford, has spent just over a year completely overhauling her lifestyle and is heading into 2025 feeling like a new person going from size 34-36 to a size 16 with an amazing 15 stone weight loss after joining her local Slimming World group.
The turning point for Jade, 33, came in August 2023 when she was attending her cousin’s wedding. It was the first time in two years that she had seen her family due to Covid and as she watched the bride walk down the aisle, her knees, legs and back hurt so much. When she needed to stand again during the ceremony she really couldn’t do it and felt embarrassed to stay seated.
The photos were another huge blow, she didn’t want to be in them and avoided looking at them before leaving as the evening party got underway, feeling tired and uncomfortable. The following morning she was shocked when she looked at the photos, it had been a long time since she had seen a full length picture of herself, this was the heaviest she’d ever been and she was really upset. In that moment, she decided she had to do something.
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Jade says “I remembered Slimming World had worked for me about 10 years before and when I searched online I realised there was a group less than a 10 minute walk away from home. I messaged Emma, the consultant there, and the next day I joined. I left that night feeling determined to lose the weight.
(Image: Jade Clarkson/Slimming World)
Apprehensive about sharing her journey she was about to go on, Jade added, “I wasn’t going to tell anyone but a couple of days later, I told my Mum and she was so relieved, she’d been so worried about me and had tried to encourage me before, but I just ignored her and pretended I was happy. In my first week I lost 18.5 lb and I haven’t looked back since!”
Jade continued, “I love that I can still enjoy the foods I would eat before joining Slimming World, but in a much healthier way. I’ve always been a big fan of takeaways, whether it’s Chinese food or burgers and being able to make fakeaways inspired by those meals means I never feel like I’m missing out! One of my favourites, a ramen noodle bowl was even picked up from my Instagram and featured in the Slimming World magazine! I don’t have to stress about counting calories or following fad diets because Slimming Worlds Food Optimising plan has taught me how to live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Nothing is off limits but it’s about finding alternatives to less healthy choices and enjoying treats in moderation”.
(Image: Jade Clarkson/Slimming World)
Consultant Emma Lodge, who runs 2 groups in Springfield said, “I felt so proud of Jade when she walked through my doors. It takes a lot for someone to join, and particularly when they know they have a long journey ahead – it can feel overwhelming. But I could see her relax as I explained all about our plan, reminding her of all the filling, delicious, real foods that she could enjoy and I could see the determination in her eyes. When she returned with that amazing first weeks weight loss I felt this was the start of something very special and it absolutely has been! I can’t wait to see where it ends!”.
For Jade, emotional eating has always been an issue. If stressed or tired it was easy to grab a chocolate bar or order a takeaway and she says, “It’s been a real challenge to stop myself from emotional eating but the incredible support of my Slimming World group has really helped, they have had so much advice to help and support me with this and the online network I have built on Instagram have also been so helpful.”
As well as celebrating weight losses Jade has come to recognise the benefits of the non scale victories. “Flying without an extender belt, fitting on all the rides at Disneyland and leaving my house and getting active are just as significant. When I first joined my group, Google suggested the walk from home would be 7 minutes but it actually took me 55 minutes and several breaks and left me red-faced and completely out of breath.
Determined to get fitter, Jade said, “After a couple of weeks of doing Slimming World I started doing simple exercises, like walking videos online because I was too embarrassed to go outside. However, once I lost 7 stones I felt ready to join the gym. I began with aqua to help my joints and made sure I hit 10,000 steps a day. Now, I walk miles, swim, do zumba and so much more!”
(Image: Jade Clarkson/Slimming World)
Jade’s health was previously affected by her weight, both physically and mentally. “Before I joined Slimming World, I was working from home and partially signed off work due to back problems and constant pain. I couldn’t see my family or be around colleagues at work because of how much pain I was in. Although I still have some ongoing issues with my spine, the general pain has almost completely gone. I no longer need to take daily pain medication and that’s made such a huge difference in my life. I’m back at work full time and have been able to go on the team building days out that I would have avoided before – and take part. The Christmas party was much more fun this year too!
Jade hopes to reach another significant goal in early 2025 – her Club 50 award. This is a very special award from Slimming World to recognise someone who has lost 50% of their starting weight. Emma says, “We know the huge benefits to someone’s health of losing 5-10% of their starting weight, improved blood pressure, cholesterol, reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke and to lose 50% is a magnificent achievement and one that I absolutely know Jade will achieve! She really has worked so hard to start living her life again and I and the community of members across my groups are loving watching every single moment! I know next year is going to be a very exciting one for Jade!”
If you are interested in finding out more about Slimming World check out www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call Emma on 07887 692906.