This Woman Was Fat-Shamed For Years Before Proving Doubters Wrong, Losing 6 Stone And Looks Great For It

By Liana Jacob

THIS BRAVE British woman who was TORTURED for her larger size defied her tormentors by losing an astonishing six-stone in just two-years.

Audiologist, Amy Nowik (26), from Dorset, UK, spent the majority of her high school years being bullied for her weight which lead her to comfort eat.

In 2006 she was attacked by a group of girls who pulled her hair, broke her nose and gave her several black eyes. Her low self-esteem resulted in her reaching her peak weight of 18st 9Ibs and UK size 20.

It wasn’t until she saw pictures of herself on holiday in a bikini in 2016 that she made the decision to change her lifestyle and lose weight. After receiving a recommendation from one of her best friends, she joined Slimming World in April that year which helped her reduce her size to a slim 12st 8Ibs and UK size 12.

She now participates in adventurous activities like surfing, running and netball with the confidence to flaunt her stunning physique.

“I was bullied for my weight, with lots of name calling over the years mostly things like; whale, fat, ugly and things got worse in high school,” Amy said.

“I was jumped by a group of girls, pulled down to the ground by my hair and attacked which resulted in a broken nose and several black eyes.

“I felt lonely and different from everyone else and I’d always be known as ‘overweight’ and nothing else – I was only recognised for my size as it was the first way people used to describe me.

“I hated the way I looked, couldn’t look at myself in the mirror hated photos only had them as set angles to feel slimmer and better but still didn’t like them.

“I was very self-conscious and frustrated with what my weight was doing to my health, my BMI was over forty. I had no confidence at all.

“I always hid in black leggings and vest tops; stretchy and comfortable and I struggled to find clothes in normal shops which was very embarrassing for a young woman. I also used a lot of make up to hide behind.

“The final straw was some holiday pictures; one in a bikini from Mallorca and I was embarrassed of how big I’d got and how unhealthy I was for my age.

“I did not recognise myself and my smile was fake. I had no confidence and no idea what I weighed but I remember needing a size twenty bikini.

“I decided enough was enough, so I tried several diets such as meal replacements, cutting out carbs I lost a bit of weight but always put it back on.

“I heard all good things about Slimming World and was recommended by one of my best friends who had lost several stone with it.

“I was also nearing the end of my degree and had my graduation coming up which I knew would mean that lots of people would be looking at me and my photos. As a health professional myself, I felt it was important I took care of my own health and lifestyle.”

Amy went from barely being able to walk up the stairs without losing her breath, to exercising regularly.

She says that since she joined Slimming World, she has gained the confidence to push her usual boundaries particularly in sports.

“I follow the Slimming World ‘extra easy plan’ and I enjoy going to the group weekly. Image therapy keeps me motivated which is discussing new food and recipes, what’s gone well and not so well the past week,” she said.

“This helps, due to the support of other slimmers and the consultant – I leave feeling motivated and determined.

“I enjoy cooking meals from scratch; meaning they are healthy and on plan. I have always enjoyed cooking, but Slimming World has taught me so many recipes and methods.

“Now I don’t need to worry about portion sizes within reason and use healthy substitutes such as sweetener instead of sugar, and fry light instead of oil.

“Losing weight via Slimming World has changed my life and I’m totally a different person. I’m more confident and I push myself to try new things and new activities mainly sports I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of doing.

“I used to be out of breath going up the stairs but now I exercise regularly and choose to do physical activities where previously I would have avoided them.

“I have the option of all shops with better choices of clothes and I will also not look for the closest car parking space to try and get extra steps in daily.

“The world is my oyster and I can do anything I want to do. I feel positive about the future and am determined to keep the weight off and continue to exercise to improve my fitness.

“I wear clothes and outfits I would’ve never dreamed of wearing in the past. I wear less make up and wear clothes that aren’t all black.

“People tell me ‘wow, you’ve done so well! I can’t believe you were so big’ or ‘how have you lost your weight? How long has it taken you?

“My family tell me how proud they are of me and how healthy I look – I couldn’t have done it without the support of my friends.

“Be brave take the leap of faith and join a Slimming World group; everyone is so friendly and welcoming with all groups having a real social and community feel.

“My journey has not always been consistent; however, the gains and maintenance are all part of it and you’ve just got to keep going.”

To find your nearest Slimming World group, call 0344 897 8000 or log on to: www.slimmingworld.co.uk