After a heartbreaking moment at Universal Studios, Steve knew something had to change. That one experience became the catalyst for an incredible journey – one that led to losing over 6 stone, finding new confidence, and helping thousands of others do the same. In this honest and heartfelt Q&A, Steve shares how he transformed his life, what keeps him going, and why community is the key to lasting success.
Below are Steve’s answers to questions about his incredible weight loss journey – from heartbreak at a theme park to becoming a Slimming World Consultant and helping thousands of others transform their lives.
1. The Turning Point
Can you describe the moment at Universal Studios Florida when you couldn’t fit on the Harry Potter ride? How did that experience influence your decision to make a change?
It was awful. Deep down, I knew it wouldn’t fit, but I thought by some miracle it might. I’d never visited Florida before, so I wasn’t sure how big the rides would be. But I gave it a try – and no matter how hard I pushed, the light stayed red.
It brought all my feelings of failure back. I’ve been overweight my entire life and have always faced hurdles – things I couldn’t do, places I didn’t fit. But this was the final straw. I was at my absolute lowest.
2. Getting Started
What were the first changes you made to your diet and lifestyle after joining Slimming World, and how did they differ from previous weight loss attempts?
I learned how to make small, everyday changes to how I cooked, shopped, and ate. It really changed my whole perspective on losing weight.
Before, I only ever followed crash diets. They’d work for a bit – I’d lose a few stone – but I couldn’t keep it up, and I’d gain it all back, plus more.
This time was different. There were people around me, at the group who understood the struggle of being overweight and how hard it is to lose weight. I’d never had that before. My friends had always been slim, so I was the joke – and that made me feel even worse.
But this time, I had the accountability of weekly weigh-ins, a supportive consultant, and a group where we shared tips and ideas. We celebrated every achievement, and for me, that was just phenomenal.
3. Staying Motivated
What kept you going on difficult days, and how did you stay committed to your goals long-term?
I kept going to the group – even during tough weeks when I’d struggled with my choices. I learned that in order to lose weight, I had to keep going no matter what.
But it was the harder weeks that really pushed me to grow. That’s when the group support became essential. We’d come up with a plan together and make the changes I needed. That’s the power of a group for me – the support we give and receive, and the friendships we build.
I still have members with me today (now as my own members) who were there the very first night I joined Slimming World nine years ago. They’ve lost weight too and have become slim for life.
4. The Power of Community
You joined a walking group in Cromer – how did that help with both your weight loss and your overall mindset?
A few of my members had started walking together, and one day I just asked if I could join them. It all grew from there.
It’s the power of togetherness – the chance to talk, laugh, and support each other. We’ve built lifelong friendships, just like we do in the group. We added activity into our daily lives in a way that we genuinely enjoy, and that’s the key – it doesn’t feel like a chore. We look forward to it every day.
We’re often told that being fit means running, going to the gym, or playing sports. But I’ve always hated sport. As an overweight child, I was always picked last and made fun of for my lack of fitness.
Now I know: any activity is good activity. Finding something you enjoy makes it so much easier to stick with it.
5. Returning to Florida
After losing over 6 stone and reaching your goal, you returned to Florida and rode the same rides – how did that feel compared to your previous visit?
It felt amazing! But it wasn’t just about the rides. I was able to enjoy the heat, walk around without getting tired or being in pain, and shop for clothes that actually made me feel good about myself.
I went on every ride, took every photo, and no longer hid – and that feeling was something I’d always dreamed of but never thought I’d experience.
6. Becoming a Consultant
What inspired you to become a Slimming World Consultant, and how has supporting others shaped your journey?
One of the managers visited the group and talked about the role. The other members encouraged me to go and see what it was all about. I just loved the idea of giving just one person the joy I had found – helping someone lift the shame and guilt that comes with being overweight.
It’s been amazing. I’ve been a consultant for over 8 years now, and I’ve helped and supported thousands of people to lose weight and get their sparkle back.
One member, Matt, joined on my opening night. He lost 9 stone in a year, ran the London Marathon, and is still with me today – now an incredible target member. He joined my group because he read my article.
And he’s just one. I could write for hours about the members I’ve helped. Like a 75-year-old woman who’d been overweight her entire life. She came to my group shy and deeply depressed. She’s now lost over 5 stone, joined our walking group, and she absolutely radiates happiness. The transformation is unreal.
7. Physical, Mental, and Emotional Impact
What differences has your transformation made to your everyday life – physically, mentally, and emotionally?
There’s nothing I can’t do now. My weight no longer holds me back. My lack of confidence no longer defines me.
I’ve got my sparkle again, if that makes sense. I’m such a happy person now – and it’s not just the weight loss. It’s being surrounded by people who lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.
I’m no longer unhappy. I look forward to every day, and I have so much to be grateful for – all because of that holiday to Florida and walking through the doors of a group, where I met the incredible people who are now my world.
8. Personal Growth
8. Personal GrowthHow do you feel within yourself now that you’ve achieved such a huge transformation?
For me, it’s the confidence – to stand up in front of 100 people and speak. The old me could never have done that. I always shied away from attention. I didn’t want people to see me because I felt like I was being laughed at and judged.
Now, I feel alive. I feel happy. For the first time in my life, I’ve found my sparkle.
9. Advice for Others
For anyone struggling with their weight or motivation, what would you say to help them take that first step?
Take time to really look at the reasons why you both want to and don’t want to change. It’s hard to do – but take the time to really think.
There’s so much wrapped up in being overweight and losing weight. But just imagine how you’d feel at your dream weight.
Often, we believe we’re destined to fail – and that belief becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Break the cycle. Forgive yourself. Stop blaming yourself for past failures. Tomorrow is a new day.
Let your sense of humour work its magic. Take yourself more lightly – and the task in hand more seriously. Let success come. Allow yourself to revel in the pure, undiluted joy of achievement. You are stronger than you think.
10. Looking Ahead
What are your personal goals now, and how do you hope to continue inspiring others?
My two biggest goals are:
- To stay slim for life.
- To support as many people as possible to do exactly the same.
Steve’s story is a reminder that even the toughest moments can lead to something powerful. Through determination, support, and a whole lot of heart, he’s not only changed his own life – he’s changing others’ too. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or just need a boost, let Steve’s experience inspire you to take that first step.