Anglesey mum celebrates ‘life-changing’ seven-stone weight loss

Gemma Edwards, who suffers with severe asthma, had been referred to hospital with suspected sleep apnoea, but facing this diagnosis scared the 36-year-old mum-of four. 

Being overweight, she knew that this would exacerbate her asthma symptoms. 

She said: “I know I had an unhealthy addiction to food. My biggest challenge was self-control.

“Living across the road from a few take-outs was always a convenient solution to running late from the work – but this changed everything.”

Gemma after and before her weight loss (Image: Submitted)

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Seeing her friends achieve success with Slimming World’s food optimising plan, Gemma decided to make similar changes to her health.

She joined Cherrish Wainwright’s group in Llangefni, held every Thursday at the town hall, in early July 2022.

Gemma said: “Walking through the door is never easy when you don’t know what is on the other side, but I can honestly say it was the best life-changing decision I have ever made. 

“I was met by Cherrish, the consultant, who immediately put me at ease and reassured me that food optimising works, even for people with big appetites.

“What I’ve learnt along the way is that’s it still OK to socialise with friends and have meals out – it doesn’t stop me from losing weight or continuing on my weight loss journey.

“Food optimising combines the principles of energy density (the calories per gram in a food) and satiety (how filling a food is), which creates a hunger-free way to lose weight and stay slim for life. With food optimising, anything is possible.”

Gemma said she now enjoys homemade food without going hungry – and her family enjoy many of the meals she cooks, such as pasta bake, roast dinners, and cottage pie.

She is also delighted that she can now enjoy more of an active involvement with her children on days out, in particular at the park.

Gemma after and before her weight loss (Image: Submitted)

“My life has dramatically changed," she said.

“I have so much energy, I love walking with my friends and taking the children out on days out and not feeling shattered. 

“One important change for me is that I can join in the fun at the park and can actually fit on the swings now, which my girls think is great. 

“I still love my food, I have just changed the way I look at food and it has given me better control, as I’ve learnt about myself as a ‘slimmer’. 

“I never dreamed I’d be at target having been at group for less than a year.  I’ve gained so much confidence and made some amazing friendships.”

As a result of losing seven stone, Gemma has reduced her asthma medication to a minimum and has had the all-clear regarding her suspected sleep apnoea.

Cherrish, who runs the Llangefni and Gaerwen Slimming World groups, added: “I feel so privileged to have played a part in Gemma’s transformation. She has come so far in the last 11 months.

“While so much has changed, Gemma’s determination and motivation has remained the same.

“I couldn’t be more proud of everything she has achieved – she is a real inspiration to the whole group.”