When Yvonne Smith, from Falmouth, first walked through the doors of her local Slimming World group, she was carrying far more than just excess weight.
“I was depressed, hiding away and deeply unhappy,” Yvonne recalls. “I would lie about my weight, avoid mirrors and even sneak food. If I caught my reflection, I’d burst into tears. I felt ashamed of who I had become.”
At her heaviest, care worker Yvonne weighed 22 st 1lb. Everyday life had become a struggle.
“Even walking was difficult. I’d be out of breath going up a single step. While caring for my residents, they would worry about me and ask me to sit down. That broke my heart – I was supposed to be caring for them.”
Encouraged by her husband Chris, Yvonne took the first brave step and joined Slimming World. “I was terrified walking into group, but from the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. There was no judgement – just kindness, warmth and understanding.”
That support made all the difference.
“In my first week, I lost 9½lbs, and then 5lbs the week after. Losing a stone in two weeks gave me belief for the first time in years – but it was the group that kept me going. Every week, I was lifted up, encouraged and reminded that I could do this," she said.
However, life brought its challenges. “After Covid, losing my mother-in-law and our dog, we stopped going to group. Slowly, I started to lose my way again.”
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In April 2025, Yvonne and Chris made the decision to return.
“I was so nervous. I felt ashamed walking back in, convinced I’d put all the weight back on. But the welcome I received… it was like coming home. Bev and the group were just as supportive as ever – no judgement, just encouragement," recalled Yvonne.
“Being back in group reminded me I wasn’t alone. Sharing, listening, laughing – it all helped me rebuild my mindset.”
Since returning, Yvonne has now lost an incredible 12 stone in total and has reached her target weight.
Yvonne’s consultant, Bev Dobell, said: "I am so proud of Yvonne - her determination and dedication to change her health is so inspiring to the other members and the community around her.
But for Yvonne, the real transformation goes far beyond the scales. Yvonne’s health and confidence have been completely transformed too.
"I can run 5K now. I look in the mirror and smile instead of cry," she said.
“My group has been everything. Bev is kind, supportive and truly believes in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. And the other members – they understand, they listen, they celebrate every success, no matter how small.”
Yvonne also praises her husband Chris for his constant encouragement: “I wouldn’t be here without him. He’s supported me every step of the way.”
Yvonne’s message to anyone thinking of joining Slimming World is: “Just walk through those doors. No matter how scared you feel, you’ll be welcomed. You won’t be judged. That group could change your life like it changed mine.”
Bev Dobell runs groups in Falmouth Wednesday 5pm and 7pm at Falmouth Bowling Club and Saturday 8:30am and 10.30am at Dracaena Centre.
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