I used to hate having my photo taken - now I'm a magazine cover star

Nicola Graham, 54 from East Boldon, has lost 7st, dropping from 16 stone 13Ibs to 9 Stone 13Ibs since joining her local Slimming World group in January 2024.

Now she’s excited to share her story in this special issue of Slimming World Magazine, which is out now and features special offers for the brand’s delivery service.

Nicola says: “I’d battled with my weight since I turned 16 years old and stopped swimming at national level and started studying for my exams, followed by a career, my eating took second place.

“Being overweight had an impact on so many aspects of my life – I struggled and knew I needed to do something as it was making me feel low and possibly a factor in not being able to conceive in my first marriage.”

Although Nicola was nervous about joining her local Slimming World group at first, she says it was the best decision she has ever made.

She said: “Everyone was so friendly, especially my consultant Vicky Robson. The group is so supportive and always there to pick you up and remind you how far you’ve come when you’ve had a tough week – it’s like I’ve got my own bunch of cheerleaders, who all understand what it’s like to lose weight.”

Nicola, who has gone from a size 20 to a 10, says: “I used to dread going shopping for clothes as I’d struggle to find clothes that fit me and would only wear dark and baggy clothes. Now I love going shopping and I’ve even treated myself to a whole new – more colourful – wardrobe.

She says: “I also used to hate having my photo taken before and would always hide away from the camera, but I felt so confident seeing myself on the pages of Slimming World Magazine!”

Nicola followed Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising.

She swapped take aways and ready meals for fresh veg and lean meats, fresh fruit and a glass of wine rather than a bottle to share with her husband Ian who also attends group.

She says: “Before joining, I was worried I’d have to give up my favourite foods and go hungry, because that’s what I’d always done when I tried to lose weight in the past, but the plan is so flexible that I can still enjoy all of my favourites, just cooked in a healthier way – and delicious big portions too.”

The March/April 2026 issue of Slimming World Magazine features a covermount in collaboration with healthy recipe box delivery service Slimming World Kitchen, with offers and recipes included.

The Town End Farm group currently meets every Wednesday 9.30am in the Lounge around the back of the club and Saturdays 8am and 9.30am in the Concert room via the main entrance on Bexhill Road, SR5 4QF.

To join call Vicky Robson on 07496968689 or send an email to [email protected]

To read Nicola’s full feature, pick up the March/April 2026 issue in Slimming World groups now for the discounted price of £2.95, or on newsstands now for the standard cover price of £4.99.