'I lost 5 stone despite my struggles with MS and arthritis'
As the New Year inspires fresh starts across the country, one Strathclyde woman is stepping into 2026 feeling stronger, healthier and more confident than ever. Thirty‑six‑year‑old Katy Barrie has kicked off the year with an incredible achievement: losing 5st and securing a coveted place in the semi‑finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2025 competition.
Her success was celebrated in style when former England rugby international James Haskell congratulated her personally, calling her a “role model” for anyone looking to transform their life.
Katy is one of just 42 women from across the UK to reach the semi‑finals, held at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire. After slimming from 15st 7.5lbs to 10st 7.5lbs, she was chosen by fellow members of her Milngavie group to represent them nationally.
Reflecting on her journey, Katy says the New Year feels like a symbolic milestone: “Before I joined Slimming World, I felt stuck. My weight affected everything – my health, my confidence, the way I saw myself. I didn’t know how to change. Struggling with multiple sclerosis and arthritis pushed me to take that first step. Joining Slimming World turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.”
She describes her early weeks as a revelation. “I couldn’t believe it when I lost 4lbs in my first week. It didn’t feel like a diet at all. I still enjoyed my favourite meals – fajitas, pasta, pizza – just cooked in a healthier way. Little changes like trimming fat off meat or swapping oil for low‑calorie spray made such a difference. When people started noticing, it gave me the motivation to keep going.”
Katy says the support of her Slimming World group was the backbone of her success: “Every week felt like a reset. My Consultant Kellie and the whole group were incredible. We shared ideas, talked through challenges, swapped recipes – and I learned so much about food and about myself.”
As her confidence grew, so did her activity levels. “Kellie often talked about Slimming World’s activity programme. Once I started losing weight, I felt brave enough to try. I began with swimming and built up gradually. Now I can walk and swim much further than before, and it’s helped me mentally and emotionally too.”
James Haskell, known for championing physical and mental wellbeing, was full of admiration: “Katy has done something truly inspiring. She’s taken control of her health, built her confidence and developed life‑long healthy habits. She’s become stronger – physically and mentally – and for that she’s a real role model.”
Kellie Eadie, who runs the Milngavie group, says Katy’s transformation is the perfect motivation for anyone hoping to make 2026 their year: “Katy is a star. Watching her grow in confidence has been a privilege. She’s not just lost weight – she’s gained self‑belief and become a huge support to others. Losing weight isn’t easy, and support makes all the difference. Whether you’re starting fresh in January, returning after a break, or looking for help alongside weight‑loss medication, we’ve made exciting new changes in group and would love to welcome you.”
Kellie’s group meets at 20th Glasgow (1st Milngavie) on Wednesdays at 8am, 9:30am, 11am For more information, she can be contacted on 07956 407043.