Claire Kane, a mother from Airdrie, Scotland, has achieved a remarkable transformation, losing a staggering 18st 7.5lbs without resorting to injections, pills, or surgery. Her journey took her from a weight of 29st 5lbs to 10st 11.5lbs, a change that has not only improved her health but also allowed her to become a mother of two.
Facing severe challenges, Claire struggled with her weight and the impact it had on her life. She described a time when she was “barely able to walk” and unable to conceive, which was a significant source of distress for her and her husband, Aaron Kane. They had been trying to start a family since their marriage in 2009, but Claire’s health issues, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, complicated their efforts.
In her quest for a family, Claire joined Slimming World with the primary goal of losing weight to qualify for IVF treatments. She recalls feeling intimidated when she first entered the group, but was welcomed warmly. “When my Consultant explained the plan, it felt realistic and achievable – something just clicked,” she said.
Within nine months, Claire had lost 8st 7.5lbs and conceived naturally, a moment she describes as “overjoyed.” Yet, the journey was not without hardship. Just after giving birth to their daughter, Olivia, now nine, Claire faced the loss of her father to cancer. This profound grief, coupled with the demands of a newborn, led her to revert to unhealthy habits.
Four years later, after the birth of her second daughter, Sophie, now five, the challenges intensified during the Covid-19 lockdown. Claire explained, “With a toddler, a baby, and Aaron working as a key worker, life felt overwhelming. I turned to convenience foods, and the weight piled on. I was terrified I was killing myself.”
In August 2022, Claire made the decision to return to her Slimming World group, led by Consultant Irene Mitchell. This time, she committed to attending weekly meetings, a decision she views as a “gamechanger.” She stated, “Everyone understood how I felt. We shared recipes, tackled challenges together and celebrated every milestone. That support pushed me further than I ever thought possible.”
Embracing Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Claire focused on colourful meals instead of processed foods. “Before, I would start the day with sugary cereal and end it with anything I could find in the freezer. Now I focus on satisfying family meals,” she explained.
The group also encouraged Claire to become more active. Initially daunted by the idea of exercise, she learned that it was about starting at her own pace. As the weight came off, she began using gym equipment at work during lunch breaks and engaged in activities with her children. Over the past year, she participated in various challenges, including her local 10k Race for Life.
Today, Claire weighs 10st 11.5lbs and has been named Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2025. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “If you’d told me at almost 30st that I’d be here, I’d never have believed you. I’m always proud to say I did it with Slimming World – it’s been one hell of a journey!”
Claire’s transformation has not only changed her health but also her role as a mother. She now enjoys activities with her children, including a recent trip to Disney World where she walked 20,000 steps a day. “My proudest achievement is my beautiful children. At my biggest, I almost lost hope of having a family. Now, I’m giving them a healthy, happy future,” she said.
Claire hopes her story inspires others who may feel discouraged. “If you’re sitting there thinking it’s too late or too hard, please know it isn’t. I’ve been at rock bottom, and now I’m standing here as Woman of the Year. If I can do it, so can you.”
