'The embarrassing moment at my work Christmas party that changed my life'

Lynda Leadbetter understands the challenges of weight loss more than most.

As the founder of her very own slimming group, the 55-year-old has dedicated years of her life helping others reach their health goals.

But her journey wasn’t easy – the business owner once faced her own personal struggles when it came to shedding the pounds.

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Lynda, from Cheshire, weighed around 15st 10lbs at her heaviest and struggled with low confidence and tiredness.

Years of overeating and a sedentary lifestyle meant she eventually became a dress size 20 – a transformation that left her unable to recognise herself in photos.

And there was one moment at a work Christmas party that left her feeling self-conscious about her appearance, making her realise something needed to change for good.

Lynda went on to join a local slimming group and lost more than 4.5st – maintaining the impressive weight loss for more than two decades.

Wanting to help others achieve their goals, Lynda set up her own weight loss group in 2019. Beeweighed holds 30 meetings across Greater Manchester and Cheshire and also offers online Zoom sessions.

But with the arrival of the pandemic disrupting her routine, Lynda gained two stone and found herself struggling to fit into size 14 clothes.

“At my heaviest, I felt awful both physically and mentally,” she said. “I was constantly tired, self-conscious and lacked confidence.

“My weight was primarily caused by overeating, snacking on crisps and biscuits, takeaways and not exercising. I went to a Christmas party and was so embarrassed by my size that I stayed in a corner all night not wanting to get up or draw attention to myself.

“During lockdown, when I gained two stone, I felt like a fraud running my own slimming group. I found it hard to stand in front of my members and give advice while feeling like I wasn’t practising what I preached.

“Despite my personal struggles, the effort didn’t go unnoticed – I was honoured with a British Empire Medal, attended the Royal Garden Party and was even invited to the King’s Coronation.

“These moments were incredible and they eventually motivated me to focus on my own health and well-being again.”

Determined to regain control, Lynda turned back to the Beeweighed plan she created specifically for women – particularly those navigating the menopause.

“The key to my success has been consistency and balance,” she said. “I follow my Beeweighed plan concentrating on a high-protein, lower-carb diet.

“I designed this specifically to support women, particularly those navigating menopause. Treats are allowed in moderation but not every day. I also eat plenty of unprocessed, nutritious food.”

Lynda eventually lost the two stone she had gained and continues to thrive helping others reach their dreams.

“I feel absolutely fantastic,” she said. “My confidence is back and I feel healthier and more energetic. I’m proud to stand in front of my members again knowing I practice what I preach.

“Losing weight isn’t just about looking better – it’s about feeling better, mentally and physically. I’m so glad I took control of my health again and I’m passionate about helping others do the same. I no longer feel a fraud in my own business.”