'I found me again': Michelle’s 13 stone weight loss after long walks and healthy food
Michelle Tucker, 53, from Long Eaton, knows what it means to rediscover yourself. After years of struggling with her weight, she’s now half the woman she used to be — and twice as confident.
“I was 19st 6lb at my heaviest and a size 22. I felt trapped in a body that didn’t reflect who I really was,” Michelle shares. “I longed for the me I used to be — and I knew, deep down, I could be her again.”
In January 2023, after a string of “final straw” moments — including not being able to get up off the floor after Christmas — Michelle joined her local Slimming World group. She was determined to give it her all.
“I made a promise to myself: stick to plan 110% every day, every week, and I wouldn’t fail. And I didn’t.”
That promise paid off. In just 17 months, Michelle lost over 10st, reaching her personal achievement target in June 2025. Her first three weigh-ins alone saw a 13.5lb loss — a sign of the incredible journey ahead.
Before her transformation, everyday life was a struggle. Long walks with her beloved Dalmatians became difficult, housework left her breathless, and she relied heavily on her daughter for help.
“I had a heavy job that became impossible. I felt like I was watching life from the sidelines.”
But with the support of her consultant Ella and her Slimming World group, Michelle found the strength to put herself first. She started shopping just for her, prioritising her health, and walking every single day — no matter the weather.
“Sleet, snow, wind, rain — nothing stopped us. The day I did a 5-mile walk over hills and dales without blinking was amazing.”
Michelle’s meals now centre around fresh fruit and veg, and her family have been cheering her on every step of the way.
“They helped light the flame, but I had to keep the fire alive.”
Her transformation hasn’t just been physical — it’s opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Michelle recently left her job and is now exploring new career paths, ones that truly excite her. And perhaps most joyfully of all, she’s taken up horse riding again — something she hadn’t done in years.
“Slimming World gave me the tools, but I gave myself the chance. I’ve found me again — and I’m not letting go.” Michelle attends Ella’s group which runs every week at Women's Institute Hall, Wilne Road, Sawley on Wednesdays at 5:15pm & 6:45pm and Fridays at 8am & 9:30am.