Nurse Kim Quigly has transformed her life after losing almost half her body weight and going from a size 22 to a 12
When nurse Kim Quigley took her sons on holiday she was left with an abiding memory. Being overweight left her “too embarrassed” to go on a waterslide with her young sons.
She said: “I could see by their little faces, they were so disappointed. It was heartbreaking.”
But she still didn’t tackle her expanding waistline until after she broke a leg during a night out after returning home. Unable to get around, her weight continued to increase.
Deciding enough was enough the now 33-year-old decided to tackle her weight once and for all. Joining Slimming World, tipping the scales at 21 stones, she went on to lose 9st 10lbs lighter and has become the active parent she dreamed of being.
Even better, she says the victory on the scales came without having to give up her love of food or social life. She says there have been so many changes since the day to stepped through the Slimming World doors.
Kim, who works at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre, says the weight loss has transformed her work and home life. She explains: “Being on my feet all the time, I’d be exhausted after a shift and I was constantly out of breath.
“My weight affected family life too. I’ll never forget one holiday when I was too embarrassed to go on a waterslide with my boys, Jax, who’s now seven, and Grayson, who’s five. I could see by their little faces, they were so disappointed. It was heartbreaking.
“Then when I was out with my friends one night, I fell and broke my leg. Being unable to move, I gained more weight than ever.”
It was then that Kim’s mum, Sharon, suggested they joiedn Slimming World together. Kim, from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, said: “Mum only joined with me for support, and she’s gone on to lose 2st.
“When my sister Charlotte saw the plan working for us, she joined the group too and now she’s lost 4st, so we’re 16st lighter in total! We love swapping recipes and cooking together.
“My relationship with food has completely changed! I make healthier versions of all my favourite meals – I don’t cook in oil anymore and now I always buy lean meat.
“It’s been easy to adapt our family meals so we can all eat the same thing. Our favourite dinner is Slimming World’s Chilli Con Carne – we all love it, especially the boys!
“Before, a weekly highlight for me was our regular Friday and Saturday night takeaways with all the family, with plenty of beer or wine. I’d never think about the calories we were consuming – I don’t think any of us did!
“We still have our family takeaway nights now, but we all enjoy healthier versions – ‘fakeaways’ – our favourite is Slimming World chicken kebab with Slimming World chips. My partner, Anthony, has lost 2st just from eating the same meals as me.”
Kim says she looked at various weight loss “fixes” before going to Slimming World. She explains: “Before losing weight, like many people, I came across all sorts of quick fixes, fad diets and even weight loss medications. While weight loss injections will appeal to some people, I was personally worried about how they might affect my health and impact my whole lifestyle.
“I’ve always loved food and sharing meals with my family. In the past, my health issues made it hard to enjoy those moments, as I often struggled with heartburn.
“For me, Slimming World has been the perfect match. It fits into my life, allows me to enjoy food and eat the same meals as my family, and has helped me to lose weight and improve my health.”
A new OnePoll study of Slimming World members reveals 85 per cent were surprised they could lose weight while still eating foods they loved. More than half (56 per cent) also told how they were surprised at how quickly they’ve lost weight since joining.
A separate OnePoll study of UK adults shows despite more weight loss drugs being available, 69 per cent of adults surveyed would be unlikely to take them. A quarter of those say it’s because they don’t want to change the way they eat, drink and socialise, 21 per cent worry they wouldn’t be getting the nutrition they need for good health and 20 per cent say they love their food too much.
Kim, who’s gone from a size 22 to a size 12, says: “The weekly group support has been a game-changer for me. Being around other people who get it is makes all the difference.
“The strategies I’ve learned and all the encouragement has kept me motivated when I might have struggled if I was finding my own way. I still enjoy going out with my friends at the weekends, and I’ve learned how to make healthier choices around my food and drink to still have a great time.
“I’ll make sure I’ve got something ready and waiting for when I get in, so I’m not tempted to reach for the late-night snacks! I’ve even inspired a friend to join Slimming World after they saw how well it works for me.
“Life now is so much easier. I don’t get breathless like I used to and I’m not exhausted after a shift. We recently went to Menorca and I made sure I went on every waterslide with the boys – Jax was so chuffed and I had so much fun!”
Kim, who previously was not at all active is now a regular at the gym. She said: “I didn’t even walk anywhere before – then I heard about Slimming World’s activity programme, and it gave me the confidence to get active at my own pace.
“Slimming World showed me that by choosing something you enjoy, it’s easier to keep it up. I recently swam a 25k swim challenge for Cancer Research raising just under £400.”
Carolyn Pallister, Registered Dietician and Head of Nutrition, Research & Health at Slimming World, says: “There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal with friends or family, and for many of us, life just wouldn’t be the same without it. Food is so much more than fuel for us as humans. Sitting down to eat with others can create connections and build relationships – that’s why food is at the centre of so many big events in our lives.
“The good news is, despite what people may fear, losing weight doesn’t mean giving up that joy. When you’re desperate to lose weight, it can be tempting to chase quick fixes – weight loss injections, pills, surgery, a restrictive or fad diet, anything that promises instant results.
“These might involve supressing your appetite, depriving yourself or not being able to eat with others as your diet is so different. But the truth is there is no magic bullet. Lasting weight loss comes from making changes to our food, physical activity, and mindset, and getting the support to make those changes last.”
Sam Sisson, Kim’s Slimming World Consultant, says: “I’m so proud of Kim – she’s lost weight by eating nutritious, real food that fits around her lifestyle. The fact that she’s been able to lose weight while enjoying meals with her friends and family just shows that you can reach the weight or size you want to be by eating the food you love!
“I get so much pleasure seeing new members being amazed they can lose weight without feeling like they’re missing out or having to stop socialising.” For more information or to find your nearest group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk.
