A WOMAN from Beaumaris has achieved the title of “Greatest Loser 2023” in her Menai Bridge Slimming World group after an incredible four-stone weight loss.

Sammie Hughes, who has gone from 16st 3lb to 12st 3lb, and has dropped from dress size 16/18 to a size 10/12, said she feels “like the best version of me since losing weight,” and “so much happier, more healthy and loads more confident”.

Her transformation began when she joined Annette Bell’s Menai Bridge group in September 2021, after her weight had impacted many aspects of her life.

This, she said, included feeling too embarrassed to buy clothes in a size 18, to being unable to participate in fun activities with her son.

It was a recommendation from a friend that encouraged Sammie to join her Slimming World group.

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Sammie added: “Before losing the weight, I was just existing and I didn’t want to leave the house. My knees and back hurt constantly.

“I was miserable, and I never felt nice or feminine. My relationship was suffering because I had no confidence. I knew that something had to change.

 “That Monday, at the Memorial Hall in Menai Bridge, listening to people talk about their experiences and share their struggles and amazing wins, I realised that everyone just ‘got it’.

“They were all helping each other and supporting each other to keep going, to keep losing the weight and to keep it off for good.”

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Throughout her journey, Sammie has always found the support of group invaluable.

She has also managed to overcome one of her biggest challenges; her habit of snacking on sweet treats.

Sammie added: “Staying with the group each week is a massive help. It’s great to hear other stories, ideas and recipes - I wouldn’t be where I am now without the group.

“It was a struggle to give up my bad habit of ‘picking’ on biscuits and chocolate This was one area where the group really helped, with suggestions and strategies to enjoy those foods without risking weight loss.

“I’ve actually changed my habits so much; I now make sure that I always have plenty of fruit in the house to snack on instead.”

Sammie followed Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, and learned how to make simple and easy changes to the way she would shop, cook and eat.

Another positive for Sammie has been that she is active again, and has taken up running.

She added: “I love that I am never hungry! I can feel full and still lose weight.

“I enjoy many different foods, but one of my all-time favourite family-friendly-meals is homemade burger and chips with a side salad. It feels so naughty, but when I’m using my ‘healthy extras, it’s all totally free.

“Before I gained the weight and my knees hurt too much, I used to run quite a lot. I am now running six miles, four times a week - and I have just registered to run a half-marathon!

“I’m the fittest and healthiest I’ve ever been - even in my early 20s, I never ran more than five miles at a time, so all of this is a real achievement.” 

Annette Bell, Sammie’s Slimming World consultant, added how delighted and impressed she is with Sammie following the change she has undergone.

She said: “I feel so privileged to have played a part in Sammie’s transformation. She has come so far, and her determination and motivation to chase that dream has kept her going.

“She has been an inspiration to the entire group, and I am so proud of her for achieving this award. 

“I hope that Sammie’s story helps others who may be struggling right here in North Wales - because there really is hope, and there is a better way - in your local Slimming World group.”