What began as a reluctant decision has turned into a five-stone transformation for Mandy Smith, who says joining Slimming World has changed her health, confidence and outlook.

Mandy attends the Hay-on-Wye Slimming World group, which meets every Tuesday at Clyro School, led by consultant Helen Furnell.

She admits her journey did not start with enthusiasm.

“January 28th 2025 was the very begrudging beginning of my Slimming World journey,” she said. “I’d convinced myself that I was OK as I was – overweight, short of breath, in a lot of arthritis pain, and feeling a bit lost.”

Encouraged by a close friend, Ellie, who had been a Slimming World member before, Mandy agreed to give it a try.

“I was cajoled into joining by my sidekick and good friend Ellie, who knew what I didn’t at that time,” she said.

Her first impressions were mixed, and she recalls questioning the plan while attending group.

“Helen, our ever optimistic and encouraging leader, bore the brunt of my hard Paddington Bear stares when I questioned the plan and my commitment to it,” she said.

But as the weeks went on, things began to change.

“I found I was losing weight and I began to thrive,” she said. “Food Optimising became second nature, and I found the plan simple to follow.”

Family meals were adapted rather than replaced, and progress was steady.

“Chilli, curries, a simple roast, heaps of veg and carefully chosen treats,” she said.

The weekly group sessions became a key part of that progress.

“Genuine support from like-minded yet very different people, trading tips, recipes, and the ups and downs of life we all have,” she said.

Friends and family also played their part, even adapting celebrations to support her goals.

“For my birthday they brought watermelon, my favourite ‘free’ food, with candles on it,” she said. “I’m so grateful for them.”

By Christmas week, she reached her target weight.

“What a feeling. I’d done it. I chose to give it my all, and I’d succeeded in 11 months. It still amazes me,” she said.

On New Year’s Eve, Mandy and Ellie marked the milestone together.

“We were at target, in outfits we’d chosen, not worn just because they fit. And we danced all night.”

Since starting, Mandy has lost five stone and says the benefits go beyond weight loss.

“I’ve learned how important activity is for mental and physical health,” she said. “I attend fitness classes at the local leisure centre and can walk for miles. My medication has been reduced and I feel great.”

Her message to others is simple.

“Anyone can do this. Just choose. Choose for yourself, for a healthier life. It’s honestly been one of the best choices I’ve ever made.”

The group meets at Clyro School, HR3 5LE, every Tuesday at 5pm and 6:30pm. A second group runs in Talgarth at Talgarth Town Hall every Wednesday at 5:30pm. Further information is available via Helen’s Hay and Talgarth Slimming World Facebook page, or by contacting 07939 114452.