Kildare Woman Christina Phelan Transforms Her Life Through Weight Loss

Christina Phelan, a resident of Kildare, has publicly shared her transformative journey of losing two and a half stone and the profound impact it has had on her life. Beginning her weight loss journey in 2010 with Slimming World, Phelan credits the program for helping her regain control during a challenging period. Her story highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental well-being, demonstrating how such changes can affect various aspects of life.

In 2010, Phelan was a mother of two who felt she had lost her identity. “I had let myself go,” she explained. Despite stating that her weight gain was due to baby weight, her youngest child was already five years old. Joining Slimming World provided her with a flexible approach to dieting, allowing her to adapt meals for her family without preparing separate dishes. This adaptability was crucial in her journey towards losing weight and regaining her confidence.

The results were significant. Phelan lost two and a half stone, drastically altering her self-perception. “It gave me belief in myself, confidence, and I just got me back,” she noted. She transitioned from being solely a mother and housekeeper to rediscovering her own identity. Encouraged by her transformation, she became a consultant for Slimming World, launching one of the first groups in Carlow. Her success was recognized with two gold awards from the organization.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges for Phelan. Although she continued to support her Slimming World members through remote sessions, she experienced a decline in her mental health, exacerbated by the pressures of the lockdown. “I was starting to go through that wonderful stage of life where a woman becomes a little bit different in herself,” Phelan recalled. Unaware that she was experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, she found herself grappling with heightened anxiety.

After a severe anxiety attack led to a hospital visit, Phelan recognized the urgent need to prioritize her health once more. “I said to myself, ‘Jesus, I’ve let myself go since leaving Slimming World and I need to start looking after my health again’,” she said. Following this wake-up call, she rejoined a Slimming World group and sought medical consultations at the VHI women’s health clinic, where she underwent various tests.

Phelan’s renewed commitment to her health led to weight loss and improvements in her overall well-being. She began incorporating short walks into her routine and focused on mindful eating. These changes not only enhanced her physical health but also positively affected her mental state, as her family began to notice her improvements.

In November 2022, Phelan reopened her Slimming World group in Carlow, marking a significant step in her recovery journey. “I started to believe in myself and feel better about myself,” she stated. Her experience with Slimming World has profoundly impacted her life, reinforcing her belief in self-care and personal growth.

For those interested in following Christina Phelan’s journey or joining her group, more information is available on her Instagram at @slimmingworld_carlowchristina and on the Slimming World website at www.slimmingworld.ie/group/700912.