A slimmer who transformed her life by losing 8st 5lbs is using her success to shape a whole new career by helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Claire Woodward joined her local Slimming World group and dropped from a size 24 to a size 12.

Claire currently runs virtual groups on a Monday evening at 6pm and Tuesday morning at 10am ensuring her members are fully supported despite the midst of a global pandemic.

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.

Claire said: "Ensuring our members could be supported despite not being able to meet in person was so important to me and it's clearly paid off as my groups have lost an amazing 59 stone since lockdown!

"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 cannot wait to get started.

"After losing over 8st and now seeing the transformation of my members means everything to me, it's a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, and insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to their personal target.

"Member support is really the most important thing, and we have so much support to ensure all our members can reach their dream weights.

"As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the virtual groups, I am 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 as it's so important to a successful weight loss journey.

"That's why, at my Slimming World groups, there'll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.

"Like a lot of slimmer's, I had tried to lose weight on several occasions before by following numerous diets however they were never sustainable because I'd always lack motivation after becoming bored, tired and felt restricted to what I was allowed to eat or not eat.

"I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, and yo yo from diet to diet, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet.

"The extra easy 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 eat more now than I did before but just cooked in the right way. I have found it a lifestyle change opposed to a diet I don't feel deprived following the plan and enjoy some fantastic meals. I could not 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 swimming and walking to get my Body Magic awards and have now obtained them all which is such a fantastic feeling of self-worth.

"As a Consultant it's my role to create that warm, supportive and inviting atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others - it's an amazing journey for both myself and my members."

Like Claire, Slimming World Consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group and are members who have experienced the highs and lows of losing weight.

Claire says she cannot wait for the new challenges running her groups will bring and claimed, "if we can slim down in lockdown then we can overcome any obstacles".

Claire concluded: "For me becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option. I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible, and could fit into my family routine, so launching my own Slimming World group was an ideal option – I feel like I've got a brand new career, opportunities and I can't wait to take over and support others on their weight loss journeys."

Claire runs virtual groups at present on a Monday at 6pm and a Tuesday at 10am for more information give her a call on 07723326845.