Young Southport mum who gained weight after mum died loses 6st 9lbs with Slimming World
Photo and report by Andrew Brown, Stand Up For Southport

A young Southport woman who gained weight after her mum died when she was a teenager has spoken about how her life has been transformed after she lost over 6 and a ½ stone with the support of her local Slimming World group.

Social Worker Ellie Hyland, aged:- 23, says her new, healthier lifestyle has helped her to become pregnant and has given her the extra energy she needs to play with her son, Charlie.

When she returned to work with her slimmer figure, her colleague couldn't believe the difference!

Ellie Hyland told Andrew Brown, from Stand Up For Southport:- "I've made friends, built confidence and finally feel in control. Crucially, I've lost weight without missing out on life."

Ellie has lost 6st 9lbs after swapping short term solutions for lifelong change, through the support of Consultant Dee Wright and her supporters at her local Slimming World group, at:- St Simon and Jude's Church, High Park, Southport, Merseyside.

Ellie says from the moment she joined her local group, she instantly felt understood, lost more weight than she believed possible and gained benefits which went beyond the scales.

Ellie's story reflects new research showing members aged:- 18 to 34 who attend Slimming World groups are:- losing weight, gaining confidence, improving their physical and mental health and creating healthy lifelong habits.

The study of over 3,200 Slimming World members aged:- 18 to 34 found they lost an average of 12% of their body weight; around 2st 1lb. Yet, the research revealed that the benefits of being a Slimming World member go far beyond physical change:-

• 92% feel part of a supportive community.
  
  

• 89% report a healthier relationship with food.
  
  

• 59% say their mental wellbeing has improved.

The findings come as experts warn younger adults face the greatest risk of future weight gain. Global studies predict:- 1 in 3 children, teenagers and young adults could be living with overweight or obesity by 2050.

Andrew Brown, from Stand Up For Southport, was told by Ellie Hyland that:- "Although I had heard of Slimming World as my mum was attending when I was younger and before she passed away when I was 16, I was a bit nervous and worried I wouldn't fit in, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Slimming World has given me so much more than weight loss. As well as approaching losing over 6 and a ½ stone, I've made friends, built confidence and finally feel in control. Crucially, I've lost weight without missing out on life. I joined Slimming World on a Thursday evening a couple of years ago after seeing Dee on Social Media posts. After the passing of my mum when I was a teenager, I had really struggled with my weight due to grief and emotional eating. In 3 months at Slimming World, I lost 10% of my body weigh,t achieving my Club 10 award for losing 10% of my starting body weight. I got pregnant soon after; my fertility had improved as a result of the weight loss. Medical problems stopped me from attending the group. Slimming World Consultant Dee kept in touch with me, and as soon as Charlie was born, and I was signed off by my midwife, I returned to her morning group. Maternity can feel quite lonely, and I looked forward to my Thursday mornings with Dee's supportive group. In those early months, attending my group and building confidence from losing weight meant that I felt happier to sign up for baby groups, which Charlie and I really enjoyed. When I returned to work in July, I had lost 4 and a ½ stone, and my colleagues couldn't believe the difference! Charlie was weaning by this point, and the group ideas helped me to cook family meals that he could enjoy with my partner and I too. With the change in my work commitments, I moved back to attending in the evenings, and I help Dee as a social team member looking after the other members attending group, they have all become my cheerleaders, and I love seeing them achieve great things too. Mentally and physically, I've never felt better. I have more energy to run after my very active toddler, and I love that we make memories and I'm happily captured in all the photos. Going to my Slimming World group each week has been a lifeline for me; I feel motivated, healthier and happier. So much of our lives are online now, so I found it incredibly refreshing to be part of a real life community. It felt like such a safe space; there was absolutely no judgment, and I learned to be kinder to myself. Feeling part of something and knowing others genuinely care about my success is what keeps me coming back to the group on those weeks when my commitment wavers, because I know I'll get the support I need. I'm so glad I joined Slimming World in my 20s. Being part of a group where I feel truly supported changes everything. I've lost over 6 and a ½ stone, but more importantly, I've gained confidence, better mental health and a sense of belonging I didn't know I needed. No matter your age, there are people you'll click with."

Slimming World's unique approach combines a flexible, science backed healthy eating plan with weekly group support. Members gain a deeper understanding of their personal barriers to weight loss and learn practical strategies to make lasting changes. Through shared experiences and encouragement, members are supported to navigate the ups and downs of weight loss while feeling part of an uplifting community.

Slimming World Southport Consultant Dee Wright said to Andrew Brown that:- "Our results go far beyond weight loss. Younger adults in Southport are transforming their lives. We're seeing incredible transformations, not just in weight loss, but in confidence and overall wellbeing. In a world dominated by screens and remote working, our weekly face to face groups feel like a breath of fresh air. This research confirms what we see every week in Slimming World groups across the UK and Ireland: our younger members are thriving. Whether they're new parents who've found friendship and support or professionals who've built confidence and resilience, they're finding that real, human connection is powerful. When you're losing weight alongside others, the accountability and commitment you share make all the difference; it's what drives real, sustainable success. Slimming World doesn't just help people to lose weight; our members gain control, build confidence, improve their physical and mental health and find strength in a supportive community. We spoke to more than 3,000 members aged:- 18 to 34 last January, and Ellie's story mirrors what they told us; that when you join a Slimming World group, you step into a space where you're supported, encouraged and understood. Week by week, members turn small changes around food, drink and activity into lasting habits. The research speaks for itself; the vast majority (92%) of the members questioned say they now feel part of a supportive community, 93% feel supported to change their mindset around food, and 72% say they'd recommend Slimming World to someone their age. For more than 55 years, we've helped people of all ages lose weight and change their lives and that includes our younger members. They're not just following a plan; they're gaining a lifelong toolkit for healthy living. Ellie is an inspiration to us all, she was recently voted as a Slimming World icon in our group, and we all love seeing her success and celebrating her success. She's a great mum to Charlie, and we love it when he comes to the group too. Ellie is so close to her final target; we are excited to award it to her in 2026."

THE new Labyrinth Studios has opened in Southport, helping people wanting to bring health and wellbeing into their lives as 1 of their New Year's resolutions. The new pilates studio and wellness centre is situated in 1 of the most central and accessible spaces in Southport Town Centre, on the 2nd floor above Barclays Bank at 261 Lord Street. It has been opened by local fitness and wellness enthusiast Emily Cain, aged:- 25.

Visitors can enjoy:- Pilates, Yoga, Sound Baths, Wellness, Meditation and Stretch Classes with a series of classes and instructors. This calm, welcoming space will help you to strengthen your body, soothe your mind and reconnect with yourself. If you fancy going along to try it out, you can even claim your first Pilates class for free with code:- 'FIRST' at checkout on the Labyrinth Studios website.

Emily, who lives in Formby, has been a fitness enthusiast all her life and thought there was a real need for somewhere like:- 'The Labyrinth Studios' in Southport Town Centre. Emily said:- "We opened:- 'The Labyrinth Studios' on:- 1 December 2025 and have had a fantastic response. We have lots of people coming to see us already which is fantastic. I hope everyone has enjoyed a good Christmas! Now is the perfect time to set yourself up for the new year. What would you like to achieve in 2026? Health and wellbeing should be 1 of your priorities. If you can get that right, then other good things will follow. I wanted to open somewhere that was right in the centre of Southport and easy to get to for anyone coming into the Town Centre, or working in 1 of the many offices, shops or other local businesses here. We're well placed for visitors coming to Southport and staying at 1 of the local hotels or guest houses. Labyrinth Studios is within easy walking distance for most places in Southport Town Centre. We have bus stops right outside; we're a couple of minutes' walk from Southport Train Station; and we have a car park on West Street where you can park for just £1 per hour or just £6 for 24 hours. You can tie in a visit to us with anything else you're doing in the Town Centre and parking will be great value. You can pay for parking on the app too so it's really convenient."

There are many reasons to book yourself in. Emily said:- "The Labyrinth Studios is a wellness and movement studio designed to bring people together through mindful practices, creativity, and community. Our core offering is mat based Pilates classes, carefully structured to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and overall body awareness. Whether you're a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or a seasoned practitioner seeking to deepen your practice, our classes are welcoming, adaptable, and supportive of everybody. I also offer courses in wellbeing and mindfulness, so I am interested in working with local businesses to support the health of your employees."

Beyond the regular Pilates sessions, The Labyrinth Studios serves as a hub for connection and inspiration.

Emily hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, including:-

• Themed movement sessions that blend Pilates with music, breathwork, or mindfulness.
   

• Wellness workshops on topics such as:- mobility, holistic health, and stress release.
   

• Community gatherings like seasonal celebrations, talks, or collaborative events with local creatives and practitioners. One event which took place in December was a wreath making class.
   

• Monthly wellness days. The next event will be a:- 'galentines themed event' on:- Saturday, 7 February 2026.