A mum-of-three says she made two changes to help herlose 6st and transform her life. Eleanor Brown, 24, lost 8lbs in her first week, which she says was "life-changing".

The 24-year-old says she’s not only lost weight but saved money and transformed her mental health since turning to Slimming World after years of following fad diets. She tried a string of different weight loss attempts before turning to Slimming World inspired by her grandmother which led her to change the way she cooked and the way she ate.

Eleanor from Middleton in Leeds says: “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.

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“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 told how she had seen her grandma, Joan, transform her life with Slimming World and went along with her one night to see what it was all about. She says: "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 adds: “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 that the expense of taste. Eleanor said: "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 says: “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 story reflects new research showing members aged 18–34 who attend Slimming World groups are losing weight, gaining confidence, improving their physical and mental health and creating healthy lifelong habits. The study [1] of over 3,200 Slimming World members aged 18-34 found they lost an average of 12% cent of their body weight – around 2st 1lb (13kg) with many members losing much more.

Yet, the research revealed that the benefits of being a Slimming World member go far beyond physical change: 92 per cent feel part of a supportive community; 89 per cent report a healthier relationship with food and 59 per cent say their mental wellbeing has improved.

The findings come as experts warn younger adults face the greatest risk of future weight gain. Global studies predict one in three children, teenagers and young adults could be living being overweight or obese by 2050. Research also shows that families who share healthy habits are more likely to lose weight and keep it off – with two thirds of members living with children (66 per cent) saying they influenced their children to eat healthier meals.

Eleanor, who lives with her partner James and her three children Grace, seven, Evan, four and Laila, two, was inspired so much by the difference losing weight has made to her life, she’s now become a Slimming World Consultant herself, running her own groups in Leeds.

Carolyn Pallister, Registered Dietitian and Head of Nutrition, Research & Health at Slimming World, says: “Our research shows that being part of a supportive group doesn’t just help you lose weight – it helps you change your life.”

Jane Masefield is Eleanor’s Slimming World Consultant. Jane says: “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 Intergenerational England, says: “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.

Starting weight: 16st 9lbs/105.7kg