Karina Dunford lost over 18st with Slimming World

Karina Dunford, 37, has been named Slimming World’s Greatest Loser after losing 18st 6lbs in two years.  At her heaviest Karina says she was housebound, depressed and her husband had to wash and care for her “I was eating myself to death and drinking lots of alcohol”
At 29st 8½lbs Karina’s weight had an impact on her health and happiness. She was bullied, felt that no one cared about her and was afraid to leave the house because she thought she was an embarrassment to her husband and family.
Karina, 37, from Bridgend in South Wales had to be helped to wash and dress by her husband and, depressed, was in a spiral of comfort eating and drinking.
“I was so unhappy and my health was getting worse by the day. I just wanted to stay in every day with my husband Ian and never wanted to leave the house,” says Karina. “I’d tried many diets and could never get my head into it. I knew I needed help and heard about Slimming World. In January 2018 I told my family that I wanted to join.”
Karina looked online and found a nearby Slimming World group. At first she was too shy to say a word in group but learned from her fellow members how to make changes to her diet and started swapping takeaways, fatty meals and junk food for homecooked meals. Karina, who has learning disabilities used Slimming World’s Easy Read resources to make healthier choices and prepare tasty, satisfying meals.
“Before I joined Slimming World I was eating takeaways, especially Chinese, every night and comfort eating chocolate every day. Now my daily menu has completely changed,” says Karina. “I plan all my meals for the week and stick with it. My favourite meals are spaghetti Bolognese or chilli con carne with lots of vegetables. I also love the Slimming World Iceland meals and enjoy them with lots of extra veg too.”
Karina has also shared her new habits with her family. “I’ve been telling my family about healthy eating and sharing my food plans and photos with them. My mum and brother joined Slimming World too and they’re both doing well.”
As well as completely changing her eating habits Karina’s confidence has soared as she’s lost weight. “I never used to do any exercise,” she says. “I would just stay in the house.” She’s taken part in Slimming World’s Body Magic programme which encourages members to take small steps and gradually build up to being active at least 150 minutes a week as part of their daily routine.
“Now I go to the gym, I do workouts, go swimming and take long walks,” says Karina.
“I changed my whole life by joining Slimming World. I had a rough time when I was overweight. I felt that I embarrassed my whole family. I was bullied and felt that no one cared about me. Since losing weight my husband Ian and I have a much better life. Now I have the confidence to do things for myself and Ian doesn’t have to care for me. I’m so proud that I’ve reached my target weight and made so many friends at Slimming World.”
Slimming World Consultant Rhian who runs the Bridgend group that Karina attends says: “Karina is the most determined member. She’s set her mind to achieve her goals week after week and made changes that means she’ll be slim for life. She’s completely transformed her health and it’s truly wonderful to see how much happier and more confident she is in everything. Everyone in the group is proud of her and what she’s achieved.”

If you want to find out more about losing weight and getting healthier with Slimming World go to https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/ to find out more