A SLIMMER who transformed her life by losing over two and a half stone during lockdown is using her success to help other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Annette Duffy has now completed her training via Zoom due to current restrictions, as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation.

Now, she is re-launching her group in Rhosllanerchrugog at Hafod Colliery Social Centre on Wednesday evenings.

She said: “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 two and a half stone through this second lockdown with Slimming World, by attending groups, weigh & go sessions when they were allowed and virtual group sessions on Zoom when they had to close.

“I have now completed my training and 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.”

Annette credits the support network formed in her own group as one of the most important things for succeeding.

She said: “It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have got to my target weight without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group, even though this at times this was virtual.

“As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, especially in these unprecedented times, 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 and its amazing that groups are finally able to open our doors safely with COVID restrictions in place.”

The Leader: Annette Duffy wants to help others achieve their dreams having lost over 2.5 stone through Slimming World.

Annette Duffy wants to help others achieve their dreams having lost over 2.5 stone through Slimming World.

Annette says that, like lots of her fellow slimmers, she had tried to lose weight in the past before by following numerous diets but always fell flat.

She said: “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 staving myself and that fitted in easily with my lifestyle.”

Becoming more active is important too.

Annette says that the plan encourages physical activity in all its forms - from walking to gardening to washing the car all the way up to hitting the gym or taking an exercise class.

She said: “For me, as gyms were closed and we were only able to exercise locally, options were limited so I began walking and running in my local area. I had soon completed the Couch to 5k app. I found running was a great way to get my Body Magic and getting out in the fresh air, was amazing for my well-being!”

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

She says she cannot wait for the new challenges this will bring.

Tracey Evans, who runs Slimming World’s Buckley group and manages Annette as a Team Developer, commented: “Slimming World Consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others.

“With Annette’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.”

Annette’s Slimming World group will be held at Hafod Colliery Social Centre, in Rhosllanerchrugog, every Wednesday evening from July 7.

For more information, please Annette on 0797 0047893 to secure your place. Booking is currently essential due to COVID restrictions.