“I always said I’d never be seen dead going to a weight loss group - now I’m a Slimming World consultant’
After losing two stone in just seven months and transforming her health and lifestyle, former ITV Calendar presenter Fiona Dwyer, who is now a PR expert, is celebrating her new role as a Slimming World consultant
If you’d have said to me 18 months ago that I would be launching a Slimming World group, I would have probably laughed in your face! Yet here I am – and I couldn’t be happier!
I joined Slimming World as a member in March 2024, and have honestly been amazed at the results. I always thought I’d never be seen dead going into a weight loss group. I mean, how embarrassing to get weighed in front of everyone every single week.
But it had got to the point where I felt like I looked like a toad in any photographs taken, so something had to change. My friend also wanted to lose weight, so we decided to go together, and…
…it wasn’t embarrassing at all! No-one knows what anyone else weighs. I could still eat my favourite foods and have a glass of wine (or gin and tonic). I lost 3.5 pounds the first week and have never looked back. After a couple of months, I was even able to come off my blood pressure medication after a check-up with my GP.
The support and accountability of going every week was also key for me. It was the difference between giving up and getting on with it. I lost two stone in seven months, and I’ve kept it off. I’m exercising more, which is also encouraged with the Body Magic awards (I’ve done my bronze, silver and gold now!) and I’ve even rediscovered clothes in my wardrobe that I’d totally given up on.
I feel like me again. I’m healthier, more active and feel great. And I’ve met some amazing and inspiring new friends. That’s why I knew I had to help others feel the same way.
“Looking back, my weight issues really started when I had my children (and they’re both adults now. My youngest just turned 18). During both of my pregnancies, I had a condition called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. It’s a condition many women can get, but not everyone gets it so severely.
In fact, I knew I was pregnant with my second child at just four weeks, without taking a pregnancy test, because the pain had already started. And the pain was awful and incredibly debilitating. I ended up housebound, needing a wheelchair to go out. I had to sleep sitting up, I would ‘lock up’ so I couldn’t move. I certainly couldn’t do any exercise, which was difficult for someone who had always been fit and active. I had to have elective caesarians, but even after both births, it took me at least ten months to be able to walk to the top of the road without pain.
I guess all of this had a knock-on effect on my other joints. And with two young children, as well as working full-time, I found it difficult to get back to normal.
Before Slimming World, I’d tried all the usual diets but nothing seemed to work. But this doesn’t feel like a diet. It’s more a mindset shift. I’m eating more than ever – plenty of pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat (I could eat fish, if I liked it, but I’m not a fan) and, of course, fruit and vegetables. I’m never hungry and I don’t feel deprived. And that’s what made the difference for me. It’s also made me a smarter shopper at the supermarket – and I actually spend less now because I plan what we eat in advance.
It’s not just about what you eat, either. Becoming more active is part of the journey. You’re encouraged to start small and build up in a way that works for your life. For me, that’s long dog walks, doing some resistance work with weights and impromptu kitchen discos. Whether it’s pushing the buggy, dancing in the living room or doing some gardening, every bit counts.
As a PR coach, I already help people with their PR confidence and I meet so many people who don’t like speaking in public, having their photo taken or appearing on a video because they don’t like how they look – so my new role at Slimming World also fits in perfectly with my PR business.
Fiona’s Slimming World group will be held at All Saints’ Parish Church Hall, 19, Church Road, North Ferriby, HU14 3DA, every Wednesday at 5.30pm and 7pm from May 28. For more information, either pop along or call, text or WhatsApp message her on 07515 631299.