Houghton Regis woman loses 4 stone and helps others

A Houghton Regis grandmother who reversed prediabetes, improved her health and discovered a love of exercise after losing an incredible 4 stone is now preparing to inspire others by launching her own Slimming World group in the community she calls home.

Sherone Phillips, 57, from Houghton Regis, has spent 25 years working in health and social care, helping others improve their wellbeing. Now she is using her own remarkable weight-loss journey to support local people who want to make lasting changes to their health and happiness.

The mum of three, grandmother of three and owner of a much-loved three-legged cat says her life today is unrecognisable compared to how she felt before joining Slimming World.

At her heaviest, Sherone was facing a number of health concerns, including prediabetes, rising cholesterol levels, thyroid problems and painful knees and hips.

“I didn’t like how I looked, but the biggest concern for me was my health,” she says. “I was prediabetic, my cholesterol was rising and I was struggling with aching joints.

“I had a stumble in the garden and was so unfit that I couldn’t stop myself falling. I ended up needing physiotherapy afterwards. I felt so old. That was my wake-up call. I wanted to be fit and old, not decrepit.”

Sherone initially began her weight-loss journey before pausing while caring for her father during the final months of his life.

“I took a break while I was looking after Dad during his poor health,” she explains. “A few months after he passed away, my motivation returned and then there was no turning back.”

Over the following months, Sherone lost an impressive 4 stone, reaching her target weight in September 2025.

A self-confessed food lover, she says the Slimming World Food Optimising eating plan was the key to her success because it never left her feeling deprived.

“I couldn't bear the thought of being hungry all the time,” she says. “What I love is that I can eat the foods I enjoy and feel satisfied. With Food Optimising, I can eat plenty of delicious meals and still lose weight. It fits perfectly with family life.”

As her weight reduced, Sherone found herself becoming increasingly active too.

“Once I got closer to my target weight, I felt more confident about moving more,” she says. “I started with short walks, then gradually did more and more. I love challenging myself and earning activity awards.

“Now I can’t stop. I even started running – well, almost running!”

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all has been developing a passion for exercise.

“Never in a million years would I have believed I'd hear myself say, ‘I love exercise’,” she laughs. “I hated it as a teenager, but as a menopausal middle-aged woman I absolutely love it. I’ve even got muscles!”

The physical and emotional benefits have been equally rewarding. As well as returning to a healthy weight, Sherone's health markers have improved dramatically.

“My confidence is back,” she says. “I can run around with my grandchildren without any problems. I’m no longer prediabetic, my thyroid levels are normal and my cholesterol is normal too. I feel healthier and happier than I have in years.”

Sherone is also passionate about the support she received from fellow members throughout her journey.

“There’s something really special about being surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through,” she says. “We celebrate each other’s successes and support one another through the challenges. The group made such a huge difference to me.”

Having successfully maintained her target weight, Sherone has now taken the next step by training as a Slimming World Consultant and is looking forward to helping others in Houghton Regis achieve their own dreams.

“I know how difficult it can feel when you’re struggling with your weight and your health,” she says. “If sharing my story helps even one person take that first step, it will be worth it. Joining Slimming World changed my life, and now I want to help other people discover that they can do it too.”

Sherone’s new Slimming World group will offer local people a warm welcome, practical support and a proven approach to healthy weight loss, whether they want to lose a few pounds, improve their health or boost their confidence.

For more information about joining Sherone’s group, contact her on 07724 230978 or come along on Thursdays at St Thomas Meeting Place at 5.30pm.