An account manager for a haulage company is feeling more confident than ever after turning 30 and losing 6st (38kg). Jess Westbury, who’s been named one of Slimming World’s Icons – a brand-new competition for the weight loss organisation for 2025 – says she knew she needed to lose weight when carrying out everyday tasks, like cleaning or walking the dog, were becoming difficult.
It was in the new year in January 2023, after having her daughter, Ella, now two, when Jess decided to join her local Slimming World group. Jess, from Chesterfield, had struggled with her weight since her teens.
She said: “I’ve always felt like the ‘bigger’ friend. I started putting on weight when I was around 16 and it affected my confidence. I really loved swimming at school but I was so self-conscious that I would get a sick note to get out of lessons.
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“Looking back now, my weight was having a bigger impact on my day-to-day life than I initially thought. My knees and back were in constant pain and I could barely make it up the hill to the top of my road without getting out of breath. Ella was still so small and I didn’t want her to grow up without me being able to do everything with her – she was the motivation I needed to make a change.”
You can view a video of Jess’s story here .
When a Slimming World leaflet came through her front door, Jess decided to join consultant Kerry Wright’s group in Danesmoor, Chesterfield. She said: “It felt like a sign seeing the leaflet, so I decided to message Kerry. She was so warm and genuinely nice, and it gave me the confidence to actually go.
“There were so many emotions going through my mind that first night. I was nervous and scared, and felt embarrassed at the thought of being judged. I tried to block those thoughts out and as soon as I walked in I felt loads better. Everyone was so lovely and kind – and I never once felt judged. Looking back now, it was the best decision I could have made.
“My group night has become time for me – and I always come away feeling inspired and motivated for the week ahead. A few of my friends have become members too, and it’s great that we can support each other.”
Jess after losing 6st
Having attempted to lose weight on her own in the past, Jess’s group helped her to approach losing weight with a completely different mindset. She said: “Before I joined Slimming World I thought I could do it alone. I tried to eat more healthily but I never stuck at it for long enough and always ended up falling back into my old eating habits. It wasn’t until I started to better understand my relationship with food that it clicked for me.”
Jess embraced Slimming World’s healthy eating plan right away. She said: “The way I cook now has totally changed. I love food, so knowing I didn’t have to stop eating the food I love, like chips and chilli, or that I didn’t have to cook separate meals for my husband Dan and Ella, was music to my ears.
“Instead, I started making easy swaps like making my own homemade chips in the air fryer with low-calorie cooking spray instead of using oil or buying ready-made chips. The Slimming World app has been a game changer for me too – it’s so convenient when I’m shopping and preparing for the week ahead, and my go-to when I’m looking for new recipes to try. Our family favourite is spaghetti bolognese.
“Before, we would have at least two takeaways a week and ate out a lot, and I love that I haven’t had to give that up. Dan and I still enjoy the occasional takeaway and we go out for a meal every now and then too. Going to my group each week, and talking to Kerry and the other members about how they’ve embraced the plan, has helped me to enjoy some of my favourite treats – like desserts – when I feel like it too, without feeling guilty about it. The tips and learnings I’ve picked up along the way have been invaluable.”
Jess says her confidence has skyrocketed since losing weight
With Slimming World’s physical activity support programme, Jess was encouraged to incorporate more movement at her own pace. She added: “I was lucky if I did 3k steps a day, mainly because my body couldn’t take it. I couldn’t enjoy horse riding – something I’d always loved – because I could only ride on a specific kind of horse that would be able to carry my weight, which weren’t as easy to find.
“As I started losing weight, I was able to walk further and for longer – and without any struggle. I’ll now happily walk for miles and no longer need the bigger horses when I’m horse riding, which is such an amazing feeling.”
As well as running a haulage business, Jess also owns a few rental properties with her husband. She said: “Managing a demanding business, where I’m constantly on the go, no longer feels like a chore. I’m able to do just about everything and anything, from jumping up into the lorries to cleaning the properties with no struggles, and I feel a lot more confident when I meet new clients too.
“I no longer hide in baggy black clothes or shy away from trying new clothes anymore. I would live in leggings before, because they were all I felt comfortable in. Now I love experimenting with different styles of clothing – and wear bright colours too.”
As well as celebrating turning 30 recently, Jess and Dan, 37, got married last summer. She said: “2024 was a big year for me – I celebrated my birthday feeling the best I ever have. I got married in my dream wedding dress and I felt incredible in it too. It feels so normal now, but the fact that I can run around after Ella and even go down the slide with her in the park is huge for me – it’s something I absolutely dreaded before. I can’t wait to be the mum that wins the egg and spoon race at school now!”