A slimmer who has transformed her life by losing four stone is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Tracy Grocott joined her local slimming world group in Newchapel in January 2020 and dropped from 15st 3lbs to 10st 13lbs.

Tracy has begun her prestigious Slimming World training, which now due to another national lockdown is being done virtually, to become a consultant with the company who are the UK's largest group-based weight loss organisation.

Tracy will be re-launching the Tuesday morning Congleton group on Tuesday 26th January 2021.

Existing members of the group have welcomed her with open arms and are excited for the group's future.

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.

Seventy-five percent of the UK population gained weight during 2020's series of lockdowns and Tier changes, and now more people than ever are unhappy with their weight.

Tracy says: "Obesity is 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 cannot wait to get started.

"After losing over four stone and completing my Slimming World consultant training, it is 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 really is the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you are not alone. I could not have lost four stone without the weekly support from my group.

"Whether we were at our physical venue together or logging in to our amazing weekly Zoom room online, there was always encouragement and understanding from my own consultant Noreen and my fellow slimmer's.

"As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with my Tuesday morning Congleton 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, working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful weight loss journey.

"That is why, at my Slimming World group, there will be tons of support, encouragement and above all, fun.

"Like a lot of slimmer's, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous different 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 so different. I have honestly never felt like I have been on a diet.

"The 'Extra Easy' food optimising plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish.

"You are never hungry, and no foods are banned, so you never have to feel deprived. 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 activities 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, unless they'd like too of course.

"Everything counts from walking to gardening, even washing the car. Personally, I love walking to get my Body Magic.

"As a consultant it's my role to create a warm, welcoming, supportive atmosphere to really encourage my members to share their ideas and experience to help each other - it's going to be such great fun!"

Like Tracy, Slimming World consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves and are set up as micro businesses in the heart of local communities.

There are currently 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, learning how to use the power of group support to empower members to take control of their own weight loss journey and make their own informed choices.

As self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, consultants also learn how to build a successful community-based business.

Tracy adds: "I cannot wait for the exciting new challenges running my new business will bring. 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 family life, so launching my own Slimming World group was a perfect option - I feel like I've got a brand-new career and I can't wait to start.

"The added reassurance was also there when choosing to start up a self-employed business during the current climate too.

"I've experienced first-hand how Slimming World's weight-loss service can transcend all Tiers and lockdown restrictions - something not all businesses are lucky enough to be able to do, which has got me so excited."

Laura Bounford, who runs three other Congleton Slimming World groups and manages Tracy as a Team Developer, said: "Slimming World consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others.

"With Tracy's experience of being a successful Slimming World member and her kind and warm personality and great sense of humour, I just know that she'll be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight, and I think you'll agree she looks absolutely stunning."

Tracy's Slimming World group will be temporarily held virtually every Tuesday morning at 9am and 10am.

But when restrictions allow, members of Tracy's group will be meeting physically at their home - Congleton Cricket Club.

The group re-launches on Tuesday 26th January 2021.

If you would like to make a change and start your journey with Tracy, as she embarks on hers, simply get in touch for more information, money saving offers or to book your place contact Tracy on 07771 923618.

To find out more about being a Slimming World consultant, join their local opportunity evening on 15th January at 6pm via Zoom.

Contact team developer for Congleton and Biddulph, Laura Bounford, for an informal chat or to book your place.

Open to past and present members. Groups available now in Congleton and Biddulph.