“My personal life has also really benefitted. I regained my desire for life, have started dating again and am living life to the full. Compared to when I was almost 22 stone (140kg) – everything has changed, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Looking back on her weight loss journey, Slywia shared the parts she struggled with: “The commitment to start the weight loss journey was hard.
“Whilst I wanted (and needed) to lose weight, it’s a big commitment when you don’t have much energy. You need the ‘get up and go’ to get started.
“Also, after I had lost 4.7 stone (30kg) my weight stabilised and I didn’t lose much for a while. That was hard and I can see how people can lose motivation.
“Finally, I had grown up a diet that was higher in carbs than now recommended, so it can be difficult to reduce or cut out foods you grew up eating. I needed to stay strong,” she said.
Slywia also had some advice for anyone else looking to lose weight: “Go for it!
“Do it to improve your looks, and if not for your health. If not for your health – for your confidence. If not for confidence – for energy, and if not for energy – for a better personal and intimate life.
“It’s a really hard journey to start or stick with on you own, so having the right support is vital. Go for it – it will change your life.”