Julie is Newton Mearns Woman of the Year 2018

A super slimmer has been named Newton Mearns's Slimming World '˜Woman of the Year' 2018 thanks to her life-changing two and half stone weight loss.

Julie Louden, 49, from Newton Mearns, achieved her dream weight in just 22 weeks. And now she’s been chosen as the Albertslund Hall Slimming World group’s Woman of the Year 2018 competition.

More than half of all women in the UK and Ireland (58%) are overweight and a quarter of women’s weight is so high it risks impacting on their health by increasing their chances of developing a range of conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of thousands of women up and down the country who have made long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

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Julie said: “I never could have dreamt that I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey. Losing weight has made such a big difference to me. My health is better, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

She joined Slimming World in September 2016 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size. “I became aware that I needed to do something about my weight after seeing a picture taken at a party. In the past I have tried lots of different ways to lose weight but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact. With Slimming World it’s completely different.

“My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight. I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like spaghetti Bolognese, curries and roast dinners. Now I just prepare and cook them differently – and they taste so much better. I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. I’ve picked up lots of new healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too.

“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect. Right from the first moment I walked into my Slimming World group I felt comfortable though, and the support I’ve received has been amazing. I look forward to going each week to catch up with all of my new friends and share tips, recipes and advice. I just love it!”

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Julie lost 3lbs in her first week and was blown away that the changes she’d made had such a big impact so quickly. As the weight started to come off, her fitness improved Julie now loves being able to be more active.

She continued: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 2 years ago and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group. I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to. I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at the Albertslund Hall group. With the group I managed to achieve my target dream weight, and have managed to stay there for nearly two years now. I still enjoy my holidays as I know if I drift off target I will soon get back with the help of Martin and the other members.”

Martin Marshall who runs the Alberstlund Hall group, added: “I’m so proud of Julie. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Newton Mearns to change their lives in the same way.”

The Albertslund Hall Slimming World group is held every Wednesday at 7.30pm at Alberslund Hall on Westacres Road. To join or find out more call or text Martin on 07763176000.