These three inspiring Midland mums refused to let their busy lives get in the way of losing weight naturally in life-changing transformations
These three busy mums all managed to get to their target weight naturally with Slimming World – without the need for jabs or surgery(Image: )
Three busy Midland mums who lost a combined 23stone in natural, life-changing transformations are hoping to inspire others with their journeys.
Some two million Brits turned to weight loss jabs in 2025, with headlines dominated by so-called ‘success’ stories – as well as the horrific side effects and price increase.
Latest research now shows many may need the drugs for life – if they want to keep obesity under control. But beyond those paying privately for jabs, many are still managing to lose weight naturally through diet and exercise alone – just as Carla Smith, Michelle Stokes and Jemma Jones have demonstrated.
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Though they all stressed there was ‘no judgement’ over turning to these options, all three are now enjoying healthy, active lifestyles as part of the Slimming World programme. Last year, the women were celebrated as semi-finalists at the programme’s Woman of the Year awards.
And as they’ve hit their target, they now have a free lifetime membership, meaning they can go to weekly group sessions without charge to help them maintain their weight.
Slimming World, which began in Derbyshire in 1969, centres around balanced eating with occasional ‘indulgences’, with the intent of encouraging ‘lifelong healthy behaviours.’
Mum-of-four Michelle was a size 30 and weighed almost 24st before starting the plan. After a ‘mortifying’ turning point where she became stuck on a Cbeebies land ride, she managed to drop an astonishing 12st – half her body weight.
Michelle before and after her astonishing 12st weight loss journey through Slimming World(Image: Slimming World)
The 40-year-old, who works for the NHS full time and is from Stourport-on-Severn, now swims three times a week, goes on walks twice a day and can now play football with her children.
Reflecting on her habits before the healthy-eating programme, she said: “I’d either skip meals, skip breakfast, or have bread, takeaways.
“I was working and trying to look after the children, I didn’t really cook healthy meals, I didn’t have the motivation or the stamina.
“I’d often nip to the petrol station and buy confectionery goods and binge on it. I’d eat more than what my body needed.”
Jemma Jones managed to lose six stone in an amazing transformation – without the need for jabs(Image: )
Jemma Jones, also a mum to four, was struggling with sleep apnea and had to wear an oxygen mask to bed ahead of the journey. After her amazing six stone weight loss, she was able to give the mask back to the hospital as she felt her health improve.
The ‘completely’ new way of cooking she learnt in Slimming World helped her to lose weight – along with a 12-week free referral to the plan.
Asked how it feels to have achieved the weight loss naturally, the Stafford mum, 38, said: “I did it the right way, it’s not an easy option – but the jabs aren’t easy either.
“It’ll all be worth it, when you’re in the journey, you will see it weekly, you’ve got the support and the praise [from Slimming World.]
“If I can do it, anyone can. I just want to give people the belief that they can do it. Hopefully, more awareness can give them the opportunity to say ‘ok, I’ll give it a go.’
Carla before and after her five stone weight loss. She’s now an avid runner and even did a half marathon(Image: )
Carla Smith, a mum-of-three from Telford, was inspired to lose weight after ‘huffing and puffing’ on the 1.5km round trip for her daughter’s school run.
Though it was initially ‘daunting’, the 42-year-old managed to lose an amazing five stone and now has more energy than ever.
She does ‘park run’ most weekends, has completed a half marathon and is a member of the Telford Harriers Running Club.
“My life now is completely different to what it was,” she said. “I ran one half marathon. But mainly now I do 7-10km on normal runs.”
“I just feel I’ve got loads more energy, my stamina is through the roof. I can do a lot more. I felt a lot older when I was bigger.
Carla taking part in the Bridgnorth 10k run after discovering her love for running(Image: )
“I used to leave it to my husband to play on the floor with my son, but now I can do a lot.”
Of the jabs, she said: “For my personally, I preferred losing my weight naturally, but I do know that there are people in my group who have had jabs or surgery, and if it leads to them leading a better life in the future, then it’s completely their choice.
“[At Slimming World] we all share meals and how to stop wanting to binge on food and what we can have instead. That pep talk between us all helps me to stay on plan so it helps me stay within my target range.”
Have you got a similar story to tell? Have you been inspired by this? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com