Moortown mum shrinks to half her size and pick up ‘Miss Slinky 2014’ award

Now half the woman she used to be, Moortown mum Karen Coyle is putting her new found slimming knowledge to work by helping others lose weight.
Karen Coyle has lost an amazing four stoneKaren Coyle has lost an amazing four stone
Karen Coyle has lost an amazing four stone

The 39-year-old hairdresser shrunk from a size 18 to a size 8 after deciding enough was enough following the birth of her second child.

The transformation, which saw her shed four stone, took just 15 months.

The mum-of-two joined a Slimming World group in April 2013, and now, not even two years later she has taken the lead at the Toome group and plans to relaunch the Moneymore class on Tuesday after training as a consultant.

Karen went from a size 18 to 8 winning 'Miss Slinky 2014'Karen went from a size 18 to 8 winning 'Miss Slinky 2014'
Karen went from a size 18 to 8 winning 'Miss Slinky 2014'

Karen puts the success of her weight loss down to the ongoing support she received at her Slimming World group each week, and said everyone from her consultant to other class members were so friendly and warm that she never felt judged.

“I plucked up the courage and took the plunge and joined a Slimming World group,” she said.

“I was embarrassed and slightly scared when going in, as I thought everyone would laugh or judge and had no idea what was in store.

“But what I found was the complete opposite – everyone, from the consultant to the other group members, were so warm, inviting, friendly caring and supportive.

“I now love to cook from scratch - my only dish used to be spag bol - and I have less to no takeaways and enjoy making my own curry or pizzas from the FAKEAWAY recipe book.

“I have also learned how to make informed healthier choices while dining out without feeling like I am missing out.”

Now Karen said she would love to inspire others on their weight loss journey, after becoming a SW consultant.

She runs a bronze and ruby group at The Elk Inn, Toomebridge on Wednesday evenings at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and will also now take over the reins of the Moneymore group at St Johns Hall, starting on Tuesday January 5 at 5.30pm & 7.30pm.