A Co Down woman has opened up on how joining Slimming World a few years back was the life line she needed.
Today Katrina McVeigh has lost an amazing 8 stone 3lb weight loss through the generous food optimising plan and believes that being part of a powerful, supportive group is effective.
Katrina, 48, a target member in Leanne McLaughlin's from Downpatrick SW group, had tried every diet, programme and quick fix but long term it didn’t work and she felt she had to get help and support in different ways.
Read more: NI woman sheds over three stone and ditches old habits after returning to Slimming World
Until Saturday 19th November, Slimming World is inviting people who’ve previously been a member at a local group to rejoin a group for free when they start a fresh weight loss journey.
Slimming World understands that when you’re trying to lose weight it’s inevitable that, on occasion, life will get in the way.
Having a network of people who understand and care, and who can help you learn to cope with lapses is key to successful weight loss in the long-term.
Katrina is one of those who understands how life can take over.
"I loved image therapy each week, seeing and supporting one another and knowing there is no humiliation just a room full of people who all want the same thing, weight loss and to keep it off," Katrina says.
"No matter what causes you to have lapsed just know that your local consultant is willing to help you get refocused, your friends in group and everyone at Slimming World hasn’t given up on them."
Leanne McLaughlin, a gold Slimming World consultant says you don’t have to go through a weight loss journey on your own.
"Together, we can help so many people find their way back to group, back to Food Optimising and back to their very happiest self.
"Encouraging missing members from your area back into group will remind them how, when they join a Slimming World group they become part of a community of like-minded people who are facing the same challenges, are on the same journey, and who will support, inspire and motivate them."
She added: "This is a great opportunity to reignite a missing member’s weight loss dreams and show that at Slimming World you’ll find a group of people who care about you and your weight loss with no judgement or humiliation, just kindness."
Research shows you’re more likely to lose weight as part of a community than if you go it alone and the more sessions people engaged with, the higher the weight loss.
The research also shows that members who frequently attend their weekly Slimming World group lose more weight and reach target.
With 7 weeks left to Christmas, it's very possible to loose a stone and drop a dress/suit size.
In Katrina's first seven weeks she had lost one stone 6lb and overall she has dropped from a size 22 to a 10. Christmas parties are now something she enjoys rather than dreading what to wear.
"Setting aside just one hour a week to be with other slimmers helps our members make their weight loss experience much easier – and much more enjoyable too," Leanne added.
"Perhaps you are a previous member who talks openly about how when they stopped going to group they missed the ideas, the motivation and the unbeatable slimming support that helped them stay on track with their weight loss.
"Get back to Slimming World and get help to identify your own pitfalls and danger zones, and suggested plans to overcome them throughout the festive period."
READ NEXT:
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- Multi-tasking NI mum on how her weight loss journey led to 'a new lease on life'
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