A slimmer who has transformed her life by losing 2 stone is using her success to shape a whole new career, helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.
Katherine Storey joined her local Slimming World group in North Bradley just over a year ago and dropped from 12 stone 13 and ½ pounds, to 10 stone 13 and a ½ pounds. Katherine has transformed her life and is continuing on her weight-loss journey and is ready to inspire others too.
Katherine has now trained as a consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-base weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire. Now she is opening her group in Dilton Marsh, at Fairfield Farm College conference centre on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm.
The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. Locally, Wiltshire reflects the national picture with prevalence of unhealthy weight likely to increase in line with national predictions.
Figures indicate adult obesity prevalence is 25.2%, which is higher than the national average and prevalence of excess weight (overweight or obese) is 63.6%, which is similar to the national average. This equates to approximately 2 in 3 adults or 248,909 people. The national prevalence for morbid obesity (BMI 40 or over) in adults is currently 2.4% and is much higher for women (3.1%) than men (1.7%). In Wiltshire, this level of morbid obesity equates to 9,393 people.
Katherine says, “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight, but now I just can’t wait to get started. After losing 2 stone (and still continuing to lose) and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.
“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost 2 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success, is so important to a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.
“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets, but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World, it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned, so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.
“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running. Everything counts from walking, to gardening, to washing the car. I love walking the dogs, hoovering whilst singing and I have just found a fantastic HoopCamp class to get my Body Magic! As a consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others – it’s going to be great fun!”
Like Katherine, Slimming World consultants are all former/current members who have lost weight at their local group themselves, and groups are set up as micro businesses in the heart of local communities. There are currently around 4,000 Slimming World consultants across the UK and Ireland, running 15,000 groups. Consultants receive training in Slimming World’s healthy eating and physical activity programmes and learn how to use the power of group support to empower members to take control of their own weight-loss journey. As self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, consultants also learn how to build a successful community-based business. Katherine says she can’t wait for the new challenges running her own business will bring saying, “For me, becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option. I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible and could fit around my busy family life, so launching my own Slimming World group was an ideal option – I have a brand new career and I can’t wait for the group to be up and running!
• Katherine’s Slimming World group will be held at Fairfield Farm College conference centre, Dilton Marsh every Tuesday at 7.30pm. For more information or to join Katherine’s group either pop along on 13th November, follow Facebook page Slimming World Fairfield College, Dilton Marsh or call 07887 690800.
