Jean Ford is Newton Mearns Parklands’ Woman of the Year 2019

Jean Ford, 73, from Newton Mearns, has slimmed from 17st 3lbs to 13st 2lbs in 16 months.

Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition celebrates the achievements of thousands of women up and down the country who have made long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

Jean who down-sized from a dress size 20 to a 16, says: “When I first joined group I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now. Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life. My health has improved, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Jean joined Slimming World in April 2018 after feeling unhappy about her size. “I started to put on weight in the years leading up to my hip operation. The pain meant I wasn’t very mobile and as I was eating the wrong foods this led to a steady weight gain. After my hip operation I tried a number 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 lose weight. I still eat all my favourite meals, like roast dinners and pasta dishes. I just prepare and cook them differently now – and they taste so much better. I even enjoy Slimming Worlds own range of ready meals for the times I can’t be bothered cooking. 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 so many tips and healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too and as a consequence I inspired my daughter Julie to join and she lost 7lbs in her first week and is now almost at her target weight.

“I know it can feel like a big step joining Slimming World because you don’t know what to expect, but, right from the first moment I walked into my group I was made to feel at ease, 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 – I just love it!”

Jean lost 4.5 lbs 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, she started to think about how active she was and Jean now loves walking like she used to and keeping up with her grandchildren.

She says: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 16 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 I would never be happy in my own skin again, 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 Newton Mearns Parklands group.

“My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Jackie Anderson, who runs the Newton Mearns Parklands group, says: “I’m so proud of Jean. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible. She’s proof that you are never too old to lose weight and is 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 Newton Mearns Parklands Slimming World group is held every Wednesday at 9.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm at Parklands Country Club. To join or find out more call Jackie on 01414190313.