A mother from Scotland has achieved an incredible weight loss of nine stone after a photo of herself with her children served as a “wake-up call.” Liv Russell, a 32-year-old mother-of-two from East Kilbride, embarked on her weight loss journey with determination and a positive mindset. Joining Slimming World for support, Liv overcame her initial nervousness to attend her first meeting and credits the group for changing her life. She now leads her own Slimming World group in her hometown to provide support to others on similar journeys.
Liv revealed that she had struggled with her weight throughout her adult life and had never maintained a positive relationship with food. Her weight increased significantly after moving out of her parents’ house and was further exacerbated by an injury that led to her having a desk job. It was after the birth of her twin daughters in March 2022 that Liv reached her heaviest weight and decided to quit her job due to her weight and family circumstances. However, it was a family outing just before her daughters’ first birthday that truly served as a wake-up call for her.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Liv recounted a visit to the safari park where her husband took a photo of her with the girls that she found unflattering. Realising that there were barely any photos of herself with her children during their first year, Liv knew she needed to make a change. After summoning the courage to attend a local Slimming World group, Liv began her weight loss journey in May 2023 weighing 19 stone 3, with a target to reach 11 stone by March 2024. Achieving her initial goal, Liv continued her progress and shed an additional stone by July.
For Liv, the journey was not just about following a diet or seeking a quick fix but about making sustainable lifestyle changes. Breaking unhealthy habits, such as snacking out of boredom, was a significant challenge that Liv overcame by keeping busy with tasks and opting for healthier snack options. Embracing cooking nutritious meals from scratch, Liv now takes pride in knowing what goes into her food and providing her daughters with a healthy start in life.
In addition to focusing on healthy eating, Liv has also built her confidence in exercise with the support of her Slimming World group. She has signed up for the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May 2025 and is currently preparing for a 16-week training programme alongside her role as a Slimming World group leader. Encouraging others to take the brave step towards attending a support group for their weight loss journey, Liv highlighted the invaluable support and accountability that such groups offer.
Liv’s transformation story comes at a time when new research by Slimming World reveals that a significant number of Scottish adults have delayed weight loss for three years or more, with various reasons cited for the delay. Liv’s story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, positivity, and the right support can lead to remarkable transformation and improved well-being.