Slimming World Woman of the Year 2021 has been named to a woman who was used to hiding from the cameras because she was too large. She lost 8st 11lbs and almost half of her bodyweight.
Sophie Higginbottom, from Ellesmere Port, had reached the stage where her weight – 17st 11.5lbs – was holding her back from everyday aspects of life.
This 30-year old woman avoids socializing with her friends, taking photos and applying for jobs.
She had struggled all her life trying to keep her weight under control, but she eventually found the motivation she needed when she realized how poor she was.
Sophie Higginbottom, 30, has been named Slimming World’s Woman of the Year after losing almost 9st and halving her bodyweight
She stated that she did very well in university studies and was certain of her desire to be a psychologist. The competition was so high that traineeships weren’t even open to me.
“I struggled with my weight since I a youngster and could not seem to control it. I would always avoid cameras and just hated having my photo taken – it was getting to the point where I barely recognised myself.’
“When Lily was diagnosed with rare cancer, I turned to food as comfort when she died in August 2019. Lily was able to recover well so we organized a 5K charity run to help Alder Hey Hospital where she had received treatment.
‘I soon realised how unfit I had become – I could barely finish the course and lagged about half an hour behind everyone else. That was when I realized how unhealthy I had become and decided to change my diet.
Sophie was 17st before her weight loss. Sophie had low self confidence and socializing with others, as well as avoiding applying for job she wanted.
Sophie initially didn’t inform anyone, except her partner, that she joined Slimming World.
“It was scary to go into that group by myself,” she said. I thought that I would be the biggest person there and that I would probably fail – which is why I didn’t tell my family and friends where I was going.’
“That was my hardest decision of all because I felt supported and loved by the Slimming World team from then on.
Slimming World is a group. I wouldn’t have been able to do so much without having a weekly group to look forward too.
Sophie and her award
Sophie Higginbottom dropped half her weight by taking control of her eating habits and joining a yoga class. Here she is wearing a pair that used to fit her.
‘Even when I was locked down, virtual groups were my highlight of the week. Hearing about recipes people have tried or things they are struggling with, or just having someone to talk to about how you are feeling – there’s nothing like it.’
“Most important, the group taught me to be tolerant of myself. The support and deeper thought that the group gives each week have allowed me to understand my self and believed in it in a way I could not before.
Sophie quickly mastered Slimming World’s Food Optimising diet plan. She lost 5lbs her first week.
This, together with the flexibility and generosity of the diet plan that allows slimmers to lose weight, without hunger, or restriction was an incredible motivator to continue.
The plan encourages members to fill up on a wide variety of foods – like lean meat, potatoes, pasta, fruit and vegetables.
She stated that she had tried many diets, but none of them worked because it was so restrictive. Slimming World enabled me to enjoy lots of delicious and hearty meals.
‘At first, I think my fiancé was dreading the food he would have to eat with me – but I soon changed his mind.’
“Slimming World” has transformed my relationship to food. I used to be afraid of food, but now it is my friend.
Sophie pictured with her neice, Lily, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. After running a charity marathon for Lily, Sophie decided that she wanted to get fitter.
“I plan for exciting, filling meals and take on the challenge of making Slimming World-friendly versions (or more) of our favorite foods.
Sophie isn’t content to make just one meal. She’s also made a huge American dinner of mac ‘n cheese and burgers, and a large family Greek evening. Sophie and her family still love a good cooked breakfast every now and again.
They are both so happy with the way that the program has integrated themselves into their lives, they no longer feel like they’re following a diet.
‘We have two rescue greyhounds to walk too – so we spent a lot of lockdown eating good food and going on lovely long walks!’
Sophie is pictured here with her husband. She’s excited about her wedding now that she’s lost the weight and has started trying on wedding dresses—something she wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing before
Since halving her bodyweight, Sophie has become much more active – and is now a keen runner. According to her, “I was once quite fit as I used to walk my two greyhounds daily. However, the experience of the charity run quickly changed that.”
I noticed a sudden increase in energy after losing weight. So I started Couch to 5K. I absolutely loved it and to my surprise – found I was quite good at running! I didn’t think I’d love running.
A new adventure awaits us soon. Sophie shared that Alex is her partner, and she was recently engaged. Although planning a wedding is something that I am excited about, it was something I would have feared before losing weight.
“I tried on wedding gowns, which was a wonderful experience. It was a completely different feeling than when I was nearly 9st heavier. I felt so beautiful, and I felt very comfortable with having my photo taken.
“I feel that this is me I’ve always been meant to be.” I feel so confident and more alive.
‘I recently applied to become a trainee psychologist and was overjoyed when I got the position – it’s just something I wouldn’t have felt able to do before. It’s no longer impossible to achieve anything, which is an incredible feeling.