Hucknall bus driver's Slimming World success

Sonia Edmunds has been a bus driver for more than 20 years and struggled to keep her weight at one she wanted, especially after having children.

Her bus driving job caused quick weight gain and swollen ankles, especially in the summer, causing her to be incredibly uncomfortable.

Diabetes and other health problems were also a worry for Sonia, and despite trying a variety of different diets, she always ended up putting that lost weight back on once eating “normally” again.

After finding out her daughter also wanted to lose weight, Sonia discovered Slimming World.

Due to her daughter being under the age of 16 at the time, Sonia chose to be the parent to go with her, and within 11 months, she lost a brilliant two stone.

At the start of her sessions back in November of 2019, Sonia was skeptical Slimming World would work because of her previous failures at dieting. However, after her first group meeting, she became inspired by the fellow members and their weight loses.

Sonia said: “I was shy before starting, but due to the friendliness and warmth of the group, I immediately felt welcome, unjudged and at home here.

"Everyone seemed to have had similar struggles as I, so I felt like I could relate and we could inspire each other, which we did.

“When lockdown came we weren’t sure how we’d continue with our weight loss and support, but then Zoom was introduced.

"This felt even more personal and it was as if we’d known the people we were talking to much more than we actually did.”

Even through lockdown, although her weight fluctuated, Sonia managed to pull through and ultimately lose weight in a happy and healthy way.

The group opened her eyes to the fact that no food is banned, you can have amazing meals such as burgers and chips, spaghetti bolognaise and, her favourite, curry.

Even chocolate is allowed, but within reason of course. Sonia never felt like she was missing out on certain foods she used to enjoy and will even have a glass of wine after a hard day of work.

Sonia said: “We were advised by the group to find foods just as delicious as the ones we ate previously, but healthier versions. And to my surprise, they were just as nice. Maybe even nicer.

"I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked at the scales for the first time to see three pounds off, and it was then that I realized I’d made a great decision coming to Slimming World.”

Sonia has now gone down three dress sizes, wearing a size 12 for the first time in 30 years and she also feels more comfortable at work with less water retention at her ankles.

Sonia is now launching her own group on Monday, November 16, at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm at John Godber Centre in Hucknall.

For more information and essential bookings call 07305 333098.

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