Top title for Langside's super slimmer

Mandy Machell, 36, from Mount Florida, has gone from 19st 6.5lb to 14st 8lb in just 13 months.

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.

Mandy, who has gone from a dress size 22 to a 16, 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 July 2017 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size. “I returned from three and a half years travelling around the world and started to put weight on gradually – around a stone a year. I tried lots of different ways to lose weight but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, and typically I gave up within a very short amount of time. Slimming World is completely different and I can honestly say it has been the best health decision I have ever made.

“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 curries, cottage pie, 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!”

Mandy lost 10lbs in her first fortnight 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 Mandy now loves swimming and power-hooping!

She continued: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 13 months 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 Langside group. My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Fiona, who runs the Langside group, added: “I’m so proud of Mandy. 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 – to change their lives in the same way.”

The Langside Slimming World group is held every Monday at 5.30pm & 7.30pm at Glasgow Indoor Bowling Club, Prospecthill Road.

To join or find out more call Fiona on 07969 132 644.