A North East woman has lost nearly six stone and reached the semi-finals of a national slimming competition.
Amy McBean, 32, from Hartlepool, shed 5st 9lbs and made it to the final stages of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2026 competition.
She was one of just 36 women to reach the semi-finals of the competition, held at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.
Ms McBean said: "I felt trapped by my weight. My confidence was so low and I was constantly worrying about my weight.
"It affected my health and stopped me from living life the way I wanted to.
"I knew I wanted things to be different, I just needed the right help me get there."
'My confidence was so low and I was constantly worrying about my weight' (Image: Provided)
She added: "While weight-loss medications can be the right choice for some people, I wanted to make lasting changes to the way I eat and live, and being part of a group gave me the support and accountability I was looking for."
She decided to join Slimming World after her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, a moment that made her re-evaluate her own health.
Ms McBean said: "I joined Slimming World hoping to lose weight, but I gained so much more, like having more confidence, learning to prioritise myself, and a newfound love for fitness – it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
"For the first time, I found an eating plan that worked with real life.
"I never felt deprived, and I didn't have to give up the foods I loved."
Nicola Adams, who made history as the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal for Team GB, praised Amy's achievement. (Image: Provided)
She described making simple but meaningful changes to her diet.
Her success was celebrated by double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams, who said she was “blown away” by the transformation.
Ms Adams said: "The commitment and dedication it must have taken Amy to lose nearly 6st is remarkable.
"Success doesn't happen overnight, whether in sport or in life, and she’s proof of what can be achieved when you stay focused on your goal."
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"Reaching the national semi-finals is a fantastic achievement and Amy should feel enormously proud of how far she's come.
"She's proof that small steps and a positive mindset can lead to life-changing results."
Ms McBean slimmed down from 17st 2.5lbs to 11st 7.5lbs.