Uckfield woman who lost more than 13 stone gets praise from boxing champion after reaching Slimming World semi-finals

Tracy Canning, 59, celebrated her achievement with double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams after becoming one of just 36 women to get a semi-final spot.

The event was held at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.

The weight loss organisation said Tracy had slimmed down from 22st 0lbs to 8st 13lbs and earned her place in the semi-finals when members of her Uckfield group voted for her to represent them.

Tracy said: “Before joining Slimming World, I felt trapped by my weight. My confidence was so low and I was constantly worrying about my weight. It affected my health and stopped me from living life the way I wanted to.”

But Tracy said she knew she wanted to change and said she ‘just needed the right help’.

She said: “While weight-loss medications can be the right choice for some people, I wanted to make lasting changes to the way I eat and live, and being part of a group gave me the support and accountability I was looking for.”

Tracy said her sister and niece joined their local group and encouraged her to join with them.

She said: “I joined Slimming World hoping to lose weight, but I gained so much more – like feeling more confident in myself and getting my independence and happiness back. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

“For the first time, I found an eating plan that worked with real life. I never felt deprived, and I didn’t have to give up the foods I loved. I was still enjoying meals like, my favourite pasta or chicken dishes, but just cooked them in a healthier way. I started making small, manageable swaps, that soon became second nature, like choosing leaner meat and using one-cal cooking spray instead of oil. Seeing the results on the scales was encouraging, but when my friends and family started noticing the difference, it motivated me to keep going.”

Tracy said the support she received from other group members and her consultant Sarah was ‘amazing’. She said: “I learned so much – not just about healthy eating, but about changing the way I think about food too.”

Slimming World said Tracy embraced a more active lifestyle as well, on top of her diet. Tracey explained: “As I lost weight and became fitter, I started by taking my dogs for short walks and now I enjoy running and took part in the Race for Life 5k with my friends at the group this summer.”

Slimming World said boxer Nicola Adams praised Tracy’s dedication as ‘remarkable’ and was ‘blown away’ by Tracy’s transformation.

Nicola, who became the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal at London 2012, said: “Success doesn’t happen overnight, whether in sport or in life, and she’s proof of what can be achieved when you stay focused on your goal. Reaching the national semi-finals is a fantastic achievement and Tracy should feel enormously proud of how far she’s come. She’s proof that small steps and a positive mindset can lead to life-changing results.”

Slimming World Consultant Sarah Britt, who runs the Uckfield Slimming World group, said: “We know that losing weight can feel daunting, which is why having support is so important. Whether you’re starting your journey for the very first time, returning to Slimming World, or looking for support alongside weight-loss medication, we’d love to welcome you to our group at The Belmont Centre.”

People can call Sarah on 07596022233 to find out more.