“Slimming World saved my life” says mum who shed 5st 9lbs
- Suffolk mum Poppie Chapman shed an impressive 5st 9lbs after hitting rock bottom on a family trip to Disneyland Paris where she struggled to walk
- The 32-year-old says Slimming World “saved her life”, giving her the confidence to chase her dream career and finally appear in photos with her children
- Poppie is now the winner of Slimming World’s Icon 2026 competition, celebrating the most inspirational members across the UK and Ireland.
Poppie Chapman, from Mildenhall, says joining Slimming World didn’t just help her lose weight, it gave her back her confidence, her joy and a future she thought she’d lost forever.
The mum-of-two, who has lost an incredible 5st 9lbs, says her weight struggles had been a constant worry throughout her life and became worse following the birth of her second child, Litt, now four. During her pregnancy Poppie had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and prescribed a strict diet. Mobility issues related to her condition meant she had to stop working and as her pregnancy progressed she needed crutches to get around.
By October 2024, Poppie’s physical health was declining and her mental health was at its worst, with even simple daily tasks feeling overwhelming. She often said no to her children when they asked her to play, she avoided soft play centres and taking them swimming.
Poppie, 32, says: “I was always the one hiding from photos and making excuses not to do things. In fact, I have no photographs of me with my children for the first few years of their lives. I just didn’t want to be seen. Becoming a mum to my two children, Aurora, seven, and Litt meant the world to me. I gave them everything I had, but somewhere along the way I forgot about my own needs, and I stopped recognising myself.”
She continues: “My final straw came on a trip to Disneyland with my daughter’s dance school, a trip we’d dreamed about for so long. I was excited to feel the same magic I did when I visited as a child but instead, I struggled to walk around the park and didn’t feel comfortable on the rides because the safety bar dug into my stomach. Watching my children’s faces fall as they went on rides without me was just heartbreaking. I felt self-conscious, exhausted and like I’d failed them. I was in such a dark place. I knew something had to change or I was going to lose myself completely.”
One evening when scrolling through Facebook, Poppie spotted an advert for her local Slimming World group. Having tried ‘quick fix’ diets, she wasn’t sure what to expect, but something told her to go.
Poppie recalls: “Walking into my first Slimming World group felt like stepping into the unknown. I walked in with my head down, praying no one would look at me. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, like I wouldn’t belong. However, instead of judgement, I found warmth, understanding and a group of people who wrapped around me like a safety net. The support from the Consultant and the rest of the group is everything. You’re surrounded by people who get it, people who cheer for you, cry with you, and lift you up when you can’t lift yourself. That support kept me going on the days I wanted to give up.”
Now, Poppie walks into group with her head high, smiling, laughing, and sharing her journey with pride. And often, she’s joined by her biggest fan – daughter Aurora.
She continues: “My seven-year-old daughter is my number one cheerleader. She comes to group with me sometimes and claps louder than anyone when I get an award or certificate. She tells everyone how proud she is. She says I’m the happiest mummy in the world. Hearing that means everything. On days when I’m juggling the kids it’s so helpful that Slimming World allows them to pop along to group with you if needed. The recipes are so family friendly – it’s great to know that I’m creating a healthier future for my children, as well as myself.”
When her Consultant, Donna, explained Slimming World’s healthy eating plan Food Optimising for the first time Poppie felt a wave of relief.
She says: “I always thought losing weight meant misery, but the Food Optimising eating plan changed that. It’s real food, proper family meals. I don’t feel like I’m missing out. My fajita bowl is a family favourite - even the kids ask for it! We cook from scratch, and all sit down together. Life feels easier because I’m more prepared and not wondering what we will have for dinner at the last minute. The Slimming World app helped me learn how to choose better options and on busier weeks I use Slimming World Kitchen recipe boxes to keep myself on track.”
I never believed I was good enough before. Slimming World gave me the belief I’d been missing my whole life. To anyone feeling like I did, I’d say: do it. Take that first step. Joining Slimming World gave me confidence, friendships and belief in myself, and along the way I found my happiness again. I became the mum my children deserve.
As the weight came off, Poppie found herself with more energy, and for the first time in years, movement didn’t feel impossible. Poppie says: “Before, even walking short distances was painful. I dreaded the thought of exercise, but Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme helped me build it up slowly. It wasn’t about suddenly becoming a gym person, it was about small steps I could manage. Now, I’ve joined a running club with friends, and I’m setting up a local girls’ football team, which I plan to coach. The old me would never have believed it.”
Poppie reached her target weight, losing an incredible 5st 9lbs – dropping from a size 18/20 to a size six. Her physical health has transformed, but the biggest change is on the inside. “I wake up excited now. I say yes to things. I’m in photos, in memories, in moments, and I’m living again.”
Her confidence has spilled into every part of her life. She’s now pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SEN) teacher, working in a school, studying for an online degree and has already celebrated two promotions.
She continues: “I never believed I was good enough before. Slimming World gave me the belief I’d been missing my whole life. To anyone feeling like I did, I’d say: do it. Take that first step. Joining Slimming World gave me confidence, friendships and belief in myself, and along the way I found my happiness again. I became the mum my children deserve.”
Her Consultant, Donna Cooper who runs her Mildenhall group, says she couldn’t be prouder of Poppie’s transformation: “Poppie walked into group so quietly, but week by week we watched her shine a little brighter. She embraced every bit of support and every bit of learning, and she has completely transformed her life. She’s an inspiration to everyone in group, including me.”
Group: Poppie attends the Mildenhall Slimming World Group run by Consultant Donna Cooper
Poppie Chapman:
Starting weight: 14st 1lb (88.9kg)
Weight loss: 5st 9lbs (35.8kg)
Weight now: 8st 4lbs (52.6kg)
Height: 5ft 4in
Joining date: 13th November 2024
Date achieved target: 23rd July 2025
Age: 32
Before menu:
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Leftover frozen chicken goujons and chips from the kid’s meals. Can of coke.
Dinner: Often finished leftovers from children’s meals followed by Chinese or Indian takeaway.
Snacks: Crisps and chocolate but mostly snacking on whatever Aurora and Litt didn’t finish.
After menu:
Breakfast: Overnight Oats prepared the night before
Lunch: Tuna pasta salad packed with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, sweetcorn and low-fat mayonnaise.
Dinner: Chicken Fajitas bowl made with peppers, onions and spices cooked in the slow cooker with a big salad or on busier days a Slimming World meal from Iceland like the Chicken Tikka Masala and rice.
Snacks: Fruit and yogurt with honey, Slimming World peanut Hi-fi bar and a snack size chocolate bar in the evening.
For further information please contact Hannah Bowmer in the Slimming World press office on Hannah.Bowmer@slimmingworld.co.uk or on 01773 304245.