Hayley Cairns didn’t recognise herself — until she found her way back

“That hurt more than anything,” she says. “I didn’t feel like me anymore.”

Like many people, Hayley had lost weight before — and gained it back. Repeated cycles of restrictive dieting left her convinced that lasting weight loss simply wasn’t possible for her. Research suggests she’s far from alone: studies indicate that more than 80% of people who follow restrictive diets regain the weight, often within a few years. Each regain chipped away at her confidence, and the belief that change could last felt more distant every time.

But this time, Hayley wasn’t only searching for weight loss. She wanted energy. Freedom. And a version of life she could enjoy again.

Nervous first steps — and a turning point

Hayley joined Slimming World alongside her mum, walking into group feeling nervous — but ready to try something different. In her very first week, she lost 5½lb, a result that gave her an immediate spark of belief.

But what truly shifted things wasn’t the number on the scales. It was understanding why Slimming World works.

Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan is built around everyday foods — not shakes, bars, or strict restriction — and is supported by one of the strongest evidence bases of any weight management programme in the UK. Large-scale evaluations involving more than 1.3 million members show that Slimming World supports clinically significant, sustainable weight loss, with members typically losing 1–2lb a week in a way that can be maintained long term.

Rather than focusing on deprivation, Food Optimising encourages filling, satisfying meals built around:

• Lean proteins
• Fruit and vegetables
• Wholegrains
• Healthy fats

The approach helps reduce hunger, regulate appetite, and support long-term behaviour change — something Hayley says was completely different to anything she’d tried before.

Freedom with food — and a new relationship with eating

“For the first time, food didn’t feel like the enemy,” Hayley says.

Chicken kebabs, creamy carbonara — even fish and chips — are still part of her life: foods she once believed would be permanently off limits. Where her eating habits were once chaotic, with constant snacking, nightly sweet cravings and frequent takeaways, they’re now balanced and intentional.

Hayley now enjoys realistic “fakeaways”, eats far more Speed foods, snacks far less, and no longer craves sugar every evening. Even small changes — like gradually reducing the sugar in her coffee — added up to big results over time.

Research consistently shows that people who cook more meals from scratch, plan ahead, and eat balanced meals are significantly more likely to maintain weight loss long term. Slimming World members report exactly these habit changes — often long after they stop actively losing weight.

The power of group support

But Slimming World’s impact goes beyond food.

Walking into group for the first time, Hayley found a welcoming, non-judgemental space filled with people who understood. That sense of belonging kept her coming back — and evidence supports her experience. Studies show that people who attend regular, supportive weight loss groups can be up to twice as successful as those who try to go it alone.

Her consultant, Craig, played a key role in that journey — checking in when things felt tough, helping her set realistic goals, and gently reminding her why she started.

“Having someone believe in you when your own belief wobbles matters more than people realise,” Hayley says.

Nearly three stone down — and stronger than ever

Today, Hayley is nearly three stone lighter — and more importantly, she says, this time it feels different.

She’s fitter, stronger and more confident. Her yoga practice has transformed, unlocking movements she never thought she’d manage. Everyday moments that once felt uncomfortable — even getting in and out of the car — now feel effortless.

Alongside yoga, she now enjoys weight training and spin classes, and has achieved Platinum Body Magic — Slimming World’s top physical activity award. Regular movement is now a source of joy, not fear — and evidence shows that consistent physical activity plays a crucial role in long-term weight maintenance, mental wellbeing and energy levels.

The biggest change of all

When asked what Slimming World has given her, Hayley doesn’t hesitate.

“Happiness,” she says.

It didn’t just change her weight — it gave her confidence, control, energy and belief. It helped her reconnect with the woman she thought she’d lost, while building a healthier future for herself and her family.

Now, Hayley is ready to help others begin their own journeys.

Having experienced first-hand how life-changing group support can be, Hayley is relaunching the Slimming World Rochford Tuesday evening group in Essex — offering the same warmth, understanding and encouragement that helped her transform her own life.

The group takes place at Hawkwell Baptist Church (SS4 1UG) every Tuesday at 7pm, and welcomes anyone who’s feeling tired, fed up, stuck — or simply ready for change.

“Stepping through the door was the hardest part for me,” Hayley says. “But it was also the best decision I’ve ever made. If you’re thinking about it, you don’t have to be confident — you just have to show up.”