A SUPPORT worker from Carlisle has dropped a whopping six stone and dropped five dress sizes - after having 'no intention whatsoever' of losing weight.

Natalie Simpson, 57, who lives just outside of Wigton, attended a Slimming World meeting for the first time in July 2021 when she went along to Carlisle United Football Club alongside the person she supports, who had been given a 12-week GP Slimming World referral.

She said: "I had no intention whatsoever of joining Slimming World.

"I was told that the person I support had been referred to Slimming World on a twelve week plan and I needed to take him their for the next 12 weeks. 

"So we went to Carlisle United, I sat down and listened to Emma giving the talk to him and I just thought it sounded brilliant. I liked the look of the literature, I like the fact you could eat whatever you and your family wanted to eat out of the huge range of food.

"So I just thought, well, I'm coming for the next twelve weeks so hey, lets just give it a go."

Natalie with a pair of her old size 22 trousers.Natalie with a pair of her old size 22 trousers. (Image: Supplied)

Natalie reached her target in a year, dropping from a size 22 to a 12 and losing six stone, and have managed to keep the weight off until now.

She said: "It's been amazing. People have said to me, 'I didn't think you had that much to lose', even my husband has said that, but I can see it now that I have lost a massive amount. It's just such an easy programme to follow.

"I am thrilled with my weight loss. I feel much more confident now and have changed the way I dress.

"I am now a target member, maintaining my new target weight. Food optimising has now become a new way of life for me. I understand the plan and I believe in the science of food optimising."

Natalie won Woman of the Year at Slimming World in CarlisleNatalie won Woman of the Year at Slimming World in Carlisle (Image: Supplied) Natalie introduced activity and completed the Couch to 5k which she enjoyed, so she went on to attempt longer distances.

She registered for the Carlisle 10k Race for Life in July 2023 to help raise money for research into all types of cancer- successfully completing this in one hour and three minutes.

Natalie attends her local Slimming World group, which is run by consultant and team developer for Carlisle Central, Emma Davies, and is held every Thursday at Carlisle United FC, Brunton Park, in The Glass Bar.