FOR Jenna George, the journey to lasting weight loss hasn’t been a straight line and she has faced several setbacks along the way.
Jenna first joined Slimming World in September 2016, driven by a clear goal: two weddings in 2017.
“I managed to lose 3st 12lb for the weddings and I felt fab,” she says.
But once the celebrations were over, so was her motivation.
“When the weddings had been and gone, my ‘why’ wasn’t there anymore and I reverted back to old habits.”
Over the next eight years, Jenna rejoined several groups across local towns. Each time she lost some weight – usually around a stone – but each restart began at a higher weight than the last.
“Every time I rejoined, I was heavier than I was before I joined the previous time,” she explains.
By December 2024, Jenna found herself at her heaviest.
“I was completely lacking in confidence, uncomfortable in my own skin and living out of about 10% of my wardrobe,” she says.
That’s when she knew something had to change. And now, as part of the local Slimming World group in Westbury, she has lost weight – and managed to keep it off.
“This time my ‘why’ is different,” Jenna explains. “It’s my health – both physical and mental. I know that’s not going to come and go like the weddings did. I will always want to be healthier and feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin.”
10 months on and 5st 7lb lighter, Jenna says the experience has been transformative.
“I’ve loved the last ten months,” she says. “Getting back into the swing of things felt good, and coming and staying in a group feels great.”
Support has been key both inside and outside the group.
“The support from Kim, with the extra messages between groups and even voice notes when you’ve had a great week, just spurs me on,” Jenna says.
She also credits the group atmosphere for keeping her motivated.
“There’s no judgement at all. People congratulate you when you achieve an award, and being stopped on the way out to be told how amazing you’re doing or how great you look – it’s so lovely.”
Jenna is clear that her journey isn’t over – but her mindset has changed completely.
“I feel like I’m well on my journey at the minute,” she says, “but I’m excited to see what I can achieve.
“I’m feeling so much happier in myself, more confident and a lot healthier than I was last Christmas.”
And this time, she knows, her ‘why’ is here to stay.
Jenna attends Kim’s Leigh Park Community Centre group in Westbury. Sessions are 4pm 5.30pm or 7pm; call Kim 07921 805006 for more details or pop along.
