I was embarrassed about my size so I joined Slimming World and lost over six stone

Charity worker Terrina Barnes is hoping to help others in Gateshead lose weight after she went on her own transformational journey with Slimming World.

The 54-year-old decided to lose weight due to being “embarrassed” by her size ahead of her niece’s wedding in June 2023.

Terrina, who has two daughters, weighted 17st 1lb at the start of her journey and now she weighs 10st 13lb - a loss of 6st 2lb.

She said: “I moved from Sussex to the North East in September 2021 to be close to my family. I knew I was overweight and needed to lose weight. 

“I didn't know anyone or have the confidence to go out and make friends with being so overweight.

“My niece was getting married in June 2023 and I didn't want to be the fat person in the photographs. I wanted to look good and feel good too.

“I have always struggled with my weight. I was always confident doing my job in the charity sector; however, I was very embarrassed about my size and appearance.

“I had no confidence in myself and all I could see was a big fat person and always dreaded photographs.

“I joined Slimming World as I knew the plan worked as I had done it before but this time my mind set and commitment was totally different because I wanted to lose weight for myself and start afresh following my move to Gateshead.”

Prior to her weight loss, Terrina said that she used to eat a lot of bread, crisps, biscuits, chocolate, fast food and more.

However since joining Slimming World, she has swapped all of that to ensure that she has more fruit and veg in her diet as well as homecooked meals with healthier alternatives.

Terrina has also revealed that since losing weight, she has become a foster carer for children between the ages of two and five-years-old.

She has claimed that this is something that she wouldn’t have been able to do had she not transformed her life in terms of her weight.

Terrina commented: “I would never have been able to run around after the children if I had not lost weight. 

“I wouldn't have been able to take them to the park or take them for walk. I wanted to teach the children to become more active within their day-to-day lives.

“I wouldn't have been able to take them swimming. I still don't like swimming as I can't swim very well but I did take the children as we stayed in the shallow end.

“I would never been seen in a swimming costume unless on holiday when I knew I wouldn't see the people again.

“I am happy and confident now and enjoy shopping however, when shopping I still look at the big sizes thinking I still need to buy them and so shocked by the smaller sizes I buy now.

“I've found a new love for clothes from Zara as could never wear them before.”

NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here

Following her weight loss, Terrina is aiming to help others go on their own journey and she is now set to relaunch a Slimming World group at the Leam Lane Methodist Church every Wednesday from 9am.

Terrina added: “My aim is to help and support many people achieve their dream weight through better health and eating habits.

“Being a member myself I understand the struggles of the journey but also the amazing benefits.

“Coming through the door to Slimming world can be a hard step, but come and join my new friendly, supportive, inspiring group without any humiliation so you can start your new slimmer, healthier and sustainable lifestyle.”

You can find out more about Slimming World groups in Gateshead by visiting: https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/counties/tyne-and-wear/gateshead.