Family Triumph: Mum and daughter lose over 17 stone between them thanks to Slimming World Support

How mother and daughter, Louise and Laura Bedford lost over 17 stone between with Slimming World  and found a healthier relationship with food, discovered confidence and proved that lasting weight loss is about far more than a number on the scales.

For Louise and Laura, their Slimming World journeys began for very different reasons, but both mother and daughter shared the same experience: years of trying restrictive diets that simply didn’t provide a lasting solution.
Now, having achieved remarkable weight losses, both women are enjoying lives they once felt were out of reach from shopping for clothes in high street stores to feeling healthier, happier and more confident.

Laura joined Slimming World in February 2024, having reached a point where she was fed up with not being able to shop for the clothes she wanted. Her weight was also beginning to affect her health. She was struggling with high blood pressure and was close to being pre-diabetic.
“I was tired of not being able to shop in stores for clothes,” Laura explained. “I didn’t want to do another restrictive diet because I knew from experience that it wouldn’t work long term.”
What attracted Laura to Slimming World was the freedom to enjoy normal family meals without having to cook separate dishes. “I love that we don’t have to cook different meals for everyone else at home and that we can enjoy filling, home-cooked meals all together.”
Spaghetti bolognese is one of her favourites and she loves being able to add Slimming World chips to her meals.

Laura’s journey hasn’t always been completely straightforward. After two holidays close together at the end of summer 2024, she gained some of her weight back. Returning to group in January 2025 was a huge step. “I was scared. I was worried people might judge me for gaining, but everyone was so welcoming and supportive. I am so glad I joined Sam’s group.”
That decision has helped Laura achieve an incredible transformation. She has now lost more than 11 stones, losing half of her body weight to received her Club 50 award, and has now achieved  her dream target weight.

For Laura the changes go far beyond the scales, she can now walk into high street shops and buy clothes, enjoying shopping days with friends rather than feeling she has to dread them. Even more importantly, her health has improved. Her blood pressure is now in the normal range and she is no longer in the pre-diabetic range.
For Sam, Laura’s Consultant, her journey has been hugely inspiring. “Laura has done incredibly well every single week and continues to inspire other members in group with her fantastic losses. I was so proud to present her with her Club 50 award in July. She really is incredible.”

Laura’s Mum, Louise,  joined Slimming World in February 2024 with Laura after becoming frustrated with a familiar cycle. “I had tried so many restrictive diets which worked, but as soon as I stopped, the weight went straight back on, and often more!”

After seeing two of her husband’s friends join Slimming World and hearing them explain that it wasn’t like a traditional diet, Louise decided to give it a try. What she discovered was a completely different approach to food. “I love the fact that no food is ‘forbidden’ and that you never have to feel hungry.” For Louise, Food Optimising has meant being able to enjoy family favourites, including Slimming World homemade chips, homemade quiche and an easy chicken recipe that makes feeding the whole family the same food simple.

Louise also found that being in group, gave her that sense of belonging. Which became an important part of her success.

She reached her target weight in May 2025, losing more than 6 stone, and has maintained it ever since, an achievement she can be incredibly proud of. Now she can shop for clothes in high street stores rather than being restricted to plus-size shops.
Unlike many weight-loss journeys, Louise says she had no particular health problems caused by her weight. For her, the transformation has been about confidence, freedom and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Sam says: “Louise has been so inspiring in group, getting to her target weight and then maintaining it since. She is absolutely fantastic.”

While Laura and Louise have lost over an incredible 17 stone between them, their stories demonstrate that Slimming World success isn't simply about the figure on the scales.
It is about being able to walk into a shop and choose clothes because you love them not because they are the only ones that fit, being able to sit down with your family and enjoying the same home-cooked meal.
It is about coming back after a holiday or a difficult period without fear of judgement and perhaps most importantly, it is about finding a group where you feel welcomed, supported and understood.
For both Laura and Louise, finding that support has helped turn weight loss from another short-term diet into lasting success.
Their stories are a powerful reminder that starting again isn't failure, sometimes, it's the moment everything changes.

Laura and Louise are members of Sam’s Slimming World group in Sleaford on a Wednesday evening. Inspired by their stories find your nearest group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk