A slimmer who took inspiration from her late mother to lose 11 stone is eager to share her success so that others can begin a similar journey.
Louise Jones joined her local Slimming World group in Newbridge on January 4, 2022, weighing 20st 13lbs.
She explained: “I felt terrible. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t breathe, and I had so many aches and pains. I broke down in tears to my sister and said I can’t do this anymore. I felt so embarrassed.”
The catalyst for her decision to walk through the doors of her local group was her mother’s death in the November before.
Sisters, Wendy and Kath, revealed that their mother had been worried about Louise’s weight and feared she might follow their nan with health complications from being overweight.
Both sisters were already members of the local Slimming World group and encouraged Louise, who was initially hesitant to join after the funeral.
“When I walked through the Slimming World doors, I was petrified,” Louise shared. “But seeing others who had significant weight to lose made me feel more at ease.”
Since that first session, she has attended group every week, listening to the journeys of others, drawing inspiration from their successes.
Her consultant, Joe Creese, gave her a target certificate and told her: “You will be a target member one day.”
Determined, Louise made immediate changes, planning her meals and using tools like a Ninja air fryer and low-calorie cooking spray.
“I remember them telling me at group that I could ‘squirt til it hurt’,” she laughed. The support from her group, including recipe sharing and encouragement, was essential in helping her stay on track.
“I learned how to make my favourite foods in a healthier way. I still eat crisps, pasties, and ice cream, but in smaller portions and as part of the Slimming World plan,” she explained.
Over time, she lost weight and gained confidence.
“I used to feel like the ugly sister, but now I’m so much more confident. I can wear clothes I never dreamed of and do things I wouldn’t do before.
“I now feel like a completely new person. I am buying size 12 clothes instead of size 26 and I feel like a million dollars.”
Louise has also seen a boost to her confidence and self-esteem.
Having transformed her own life, Louise is now passionate about sharing her story and encouraging others to take that first step.
“The Slimming World Food Optimising Plan supports you to reduce your weight until you hit your target – a target you choose and feel comfortable with,” she said.
“Once you hit your target, you can attend groups for free and follow the ‘Slim for Life’ programme.”
Louise’s Newbridge group has a dozen members who are at target but continue attending to maintain their weight. “We’re always learning something new and get lots of tips, advice, and recipes,” she added.
Slimming World, the largest group-based weight loss organisation with 55 years of experience, is endorsed by the NHS and individuals can be referred by their GP or can refer themselves and be supported with a 12-week countdown package.
Louise credits her success to the camaraderie within her group, her consultant’s guidance, and the support from her sisters. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” she concluded.
Attending the group is now the highlight of her week after making many, many, new friends.
Although there is a focus on sustainable weight-loss through healthy eating (even with indulges in some naughties such as chocolate or crisps), Slimming World also educates on the importance of physical activity and teaches people how to be more active in their daily lives without going to the gym.
• If you’d like to join the warm, successful and friendly groups we meet Tuesdays in Treowen Village Hall Newbridge and Thursdays in Oakdale. Please contact Deb Cairns Pitt 07493 704036.
Consultants needed
Becoming a self-employed Slimming World Consultant offers flexibility and can fit around other commitments. Consultants are trained in all aspects of running a successful group, from delivering Slimming World’s programme, based on the science and psychology of behaviour change, to building and promoting a local business.
Joining as a Consultant also means becoming part of a trusted brand with more than 50 years of experience. The role is both flexible and rewarding, with Consultants earning between £100 to £400 a week for ten to 20 hours of work.
“I have the power to set my own work-life balance and influence my earnings,” says Joanne Creese, a Slimming World Consultant.
“Every time a member reaches their target, I know a whole family is benefiting from a healthier lifestyle.
“Helping people feel good about what they eat and supporting them in their weight loss is a privilege. It’s the most rewarding role I could wish for.”
In addition to Consultant roles, Slimming World is also recruiting experienced managers to co-ordinate work across the UK and Ireland.
• For more information about please contact Joanne on 07530 343262 or go to slimmingworld.co.uk/careers.