Amy couldn’t walk without a stick, but after losing four stone, she’s regained her independence and eased her Fibromyalgia symptoms
Amy before and after(Image: Slimming World)
A Leeds mum who once relied on a mobility scooter and walking stick is now enjoying a new lease of life after losing more than four stone and regaining her independence.
Amy Wormwell, 40, from Rothwell, in Leeds, had been living with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis in her spine, conditions that left her in constant pain and struggling with even the simplest daily tasks. A former nurse, Amy gave up work a year and a half ago to care full time for her two sons, aged eight and 11, one of whom is autistic.
At her lowest point, even walking a few metres felt impossible. She relied on a mobility scooter when out and about and used a stick to get around, as her body became harder to manage.
Amy said: “I was so overweight, it was difficult to walk just a few metres, I was out of breath and in constant severe pain.”
The turning point came during a short trip away with friends when surrounded by people who moved with ease, looking back at photos afterwards proved difficult, that along with some “home truths” from her son.
Amy recalled: “I looked back on the photos from that trip and hated the sight of myself. I was disgusted at myself. That, alongside my brutally honest autistic son regularly asking why I was so fat, I knew I had to start looking after myself.”
That moment of painful self-recognition became the spark she needed. She turned to Slimming World and has got started with her own life-changing journey.
Determined to make a change, Amy began her weight loss journey last summer. In just nine months, she has lost more than four stone and the difference has been life changing. Simple pleasures that once felt out of reach are now part of everyday life again.
She said: “Movement now, after losing 4 stone, is much easier, I would say a good 50% pain reduction, particularly in my lower back, hips and knees. The improvement has meant I no longer have to rely on my scooter and rarely need my walking stick now.”
“I can take the dogs for a walk without being in too much pain, even swimming, which once left me exhausted, has become easier. I can swim much further than I used to and still have some energy left to get dry and dressed afterwards.”
Her mental health has improved alongside her physical health and she has also been able to cut down on her medication.
Amy continued: “My anxiety and depression is a lot more manageable and my energy levels are way higher, I have also managed to reduce the amount of analgesics I take each day which I never thought would be possible.”
Slimming World also provides Amy with the structure and support she desperately needed. Amy added: “The most important bit for me is staying to group and getting the much-needed support and inspiration, as well as the convenient Slimming World meals from Iceland, especially on tough days when cooking was impossible, they’ve been a game changer.”
Today, Amy says she feels stronger, more independent and hopeful for the future. She added: “Slimming World has really helped me turn my life around.”
Her progress has been inspiring not only to fellow members, but to her Slimming World Consultant, Caroline Sykes, as well. Caroline said: “I am incredibly proud of Amy, from the moment she joined group, she showed such determination, even on the weeks when her health made everything feel harder.“Seeing her transformation has been deeply rewarding. Watching her confidence grow week by week is always one of the loveliest parts of my job. She walks into group differently now – taller, brighter, and with so much more belief in herself.
“Her resilience amazes me. Even when pain, stress, or caring responsibilities make things difficult, she never gives up. It’s a privilege to cheer her on.”
LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp community and anyone who joins will get the latest breaking news and top stories sent direct to their phone. To join click here.
If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here.
