Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

A young Southport woman who gained weight after her mum died when she was a teenager has spoken about how her life has been transformed after she lost over 6 and a half stone with the support of her local Slimming World group.

Social Worker Ellie Hyland, aged 23, says her new, healthier lifestyle has helped her to become pregnant and has given her the extra energy she needs to play with her son, Charlie.

When she returned to work with her slimmer figure, her colleague couldn't believe the difference!

Ellie Hyland told Andrew Brown, from Stand Up For Southport:- "I've made friends, built confidence and finally feel in control. Crucially, I've lost weight without missing out on life.”

Ellie has lost 6st 9lbs after swapping short term solutions for lifelong change, through the support of Consultant Dee Wright and her supporters at her local Slimming World group, at:- St Simon and Jude's Church, High Park, Southport, Merseyside.

Ellie says from the moment she joined her local group, she instantly felt understood, lost more weight than she believed possible and gained benefits which went beyond the scales.

Ellie's story reflects new research showing members aged:- 18 to 34 who attend Slimming World groups are losing weight, gaining confidence, improving their physical and mental health and creating healthy lifelong habits.

The study of over 3,200 Slimming World members aged:- 18 to 34 found they lost an average of 12% of their body weight; around 2st 1lb. Yet, the research revealed that the benefits of being a Slimming World member go far beyond physical change:

92% feel part of a supportive community.
89% report a healthier relationship with food.
59% say their mental wellbeing has improved.

The findings come as experts warn younger adults face the greatest risk of future weight gain. Global studies predict:- 1 in 3 children, teenagers and young adults could be living with overweight or obesity by 2050.

Andrew Brown, from Stand Up For Southport, was told by Ellie Hyland that:- "Although I had heard of Slimming World as my mum was attending when I was younger and before she passed away when I was 16, I was a bit nervous and worried I wouldn't fit in, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Slimming World has given me so much more than weight loss. As well as approaching losing over 6 and a half stone, I've made friends, built confidence and finally feel in control. Crucially, I've lost weight without missing out on life. I joined Slimming World on a Thursday evening a couple of years ago after seeing Dee on Social Media posts. After the passing of my mum when I was a teenager, I had really struggled with my weight due to grief and emotional eating. In 3 months at Slimming World, I lost 10% of my body weigh,t achieving my Club 10 award for losing 10% of my starting body weight. I got pregnant soon after; my fertility had improved as a result of the weight loss. Medical problems stopped me from attending the group. Slimming World Consultant Dee kept in touch with me, and as soon as Charlie was born, and I was signed off by my midwife, I returned to her morning group. Maternity can feel quite lonely, and I looked forward to my Thursday mornings with Dee's supportive group. In those early months, attending my group and building confidence from losing weight meant that I felt happier to sign up for baby groups, which Charlie and I really enjoyed. When I returned to work in July, I had lost 4 and a half stone, and my colleagues couldn't believe the difference! Charlie was weaning by this point, and the group ideas helped me to cook family meals that he could enjoy with my partner and I too. With the change in my work commitments, I moved back to attending in the evenings, and I help Dee as a social team member looking after the other members attending group, they have all become my cheerleaders, and I love seeing them achieve great things too. Mentally and physically, I've never felt better. I have more energy to run after my very active toddler, and I love that we make memories and I'm happily captured in all the photos. Going to my Slimming World group each week has been a lifeline for me; I feel motivated, healthier and happier. So much of our lives are online now, so I found it incredibly refreshing to be part of a real-life community. It felt like such a safe space; there was absolutely no judgment, and I learned to be kinder to myself. Feeling part of something and knowing others genuinely care about my success is what keeps me coming back to the group on those weeks when my commitment wavers, because I know I'll get the support I need. I'm so glad I joined Slimming World in my 20s. Being part of a group where I feel truly supported changes everything. I've lost over 6 and a half stone, but more importantly, I've gained confidence, better mental health and a sense of belonging I didn't know I needed. No matter your age, there are people you'll click with.”

Slimming World's unique approach combines a flexible, science-backed healthy eating plan with weekly group support. Members gain a deeper understanding of their personal barriers to weight loss and learn practical strategies to make lasting changes. Through shared experiences and encouragement, members are supported to navigate the ups and downs of weight loss while feeling part of an uplifting community.

Slimming World Southport Consultant Dee Wright said:- "Our results go far beyond weight loss. Younger adults in Southport are transforming their lives. We're seeing incredible transformations, not just in weight loss, but in confidence and overall wellbeing. In a world dominated by screens and remote working, our weekly face-to-face groups feel like a breath of fresh air. This research confirms what we see every week in Slimming World groups across the UK and Ireland: our younger members are thriving. Whether they're new parents who've found friendship and support or professionals who've built confidence and resilience, they're finding that real, human connection is powerful. When you're losing weight alongside others, the accountability and commitment you share make all the difference; it's what drives real, sustainable success. Slimming World doesn't just help people to lose weight; our members gain control, build confidence, improve their physical and mental health and find strength in a supportive community. We spoke to more than 3,000 members aged 18-34 last January, and Ellie's story mirrors what they told us; that when you join a Slimming World group, you step into a space where you're supported, encouraged and understood. Week by week, members turn small changes around food, drink and activity into lasting habits. The research speaks for itself; the vast majority (92%) of the members questioned say they now feel part of a supportive community, 93% feel supported to change their mindset around food, and 72% say they'd recommend Slimming World to someone their age. For more than 55 years, we've helped people of all ages lose weight and change their lives and that includes our younger members. They're not just following a plan; they're gaining a lifelong toolkit for healthy living. Ellie is an inspiration to us all, she was recently voted as a Slimming World icon in our group, and we all love seeing her success and celebrating her success. She's a great mum to Charlie, and we love it when he comes to the group too. Ellie is so close to her final target; we are excited to award it to her in 2026.”