Stowmarket woman loses over 9 stone to become a top 10 finalist

A super slimmer from Stowmarket has lost an amazing 9 stone 6lbs and hailed as a top 10 finalist in the East of England.

Lynn Parker, who attends the Rookery Bowls Club Slimming World group downsized from a dress size 26 to 12.

She said: “When I first joined the group I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now. I was so worried that everyone would judge me and think I wouldn’t last. Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life. My health has improved, I have more energy to run after my grandchildren.”

Lynn joined up with Slimming World after feeling unhappy about her size and came in the top 10 at the Woman of the Year 2019 East of England regional finals and Stowmarket’s Slimming World “Woman of the Year” 2019.

The 50-year-old, pictured above before losing weight, said: “I tried a number of different ways to lose weight but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact. My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and lose weight. I still eat all my favourite meals, like cooked breakfasts/curries/roast dinners. I just prepare and cook them differently now – and they taste so much better.

“I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. I’ve picked up so many tips and healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too. They’ve become long term friends and like a second family.”

Lynn lost over half-a-stone stone within her first two weeks and was blown away that the changes she’d made had such a big impact so quickly. As the weight started to come off, she started to think about how active she was and Lynn now loves walking and the gym.

She said: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World and winning Woman of the Year. I’ve achieved a massive dream this year that I never thought possible and went wing walking which I could have never achieved.

“I remember feeling like I would never be happy in my own skin again, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to. I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way. My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can.”

Zia Hull who runs the Wednesday night Hillside Community Centre group, along with the Thursday morning Rookery Bowls Club group which Lynn uses, said: “I’m so proud of Lynn. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Stowmarket to change their lives in the same way.”