At this time of year, thoughts often turn to fresh starts. Many will be planning their goals for 2025 and, for some, it will be the year they decide to do something about their weight.
Whether for health reasons, or for confidence, thousands across the country turn to Slimming World and WeightWatchers classes annually, with January seeing a new spike in members following the excess of Christmas.
Those who achieve their goal say that small changes to their diet come with big changes to their life.
We’ve got a list of the biggest losers from 2024 in Plymouth and Cornwall. Slimmers who, between them, have lost more than 60st. Perhaps, in the coming year, you will follow in their footsteps…
‘It has given me back my life’
Rachel Webber, 54, lost almost 8st this year through the Slimming World group at the Wolseley Trust in Ford.
When she joined the group, she was suffering from arthritis in her knees so she has really seen the benefit of her weight loss on her health.
“I love Slimming World – that’s why I became a consultant,” Rachel said. “It has given me back my life. My knees still hurt, but I have so much more movement and energy now.”
Rachel has seen the mental and physical benefits: “I have more confidence and don’t feel like I have to apologise for existing, which I did when I was larger – always dressing in black to hide in the background.”
For anyone aiming to lose weight in 2025, Rachel recommends joining a group: “It’s so much easier to lose weight if you have others around you to support you and cheer you on/cheer you up when you’re down!”
“I was a heart attack waiting to happen”
Ali Ridgley, 52, decided to make a change when she read the words ‘morbidly obese’ on her doctor’s computer during a check-up.
From a starting weight of almost 23st, Ali lost over half her body weight to reach just under 10st through the Southway Slimming World group.
Ali said: “I was a heart attack waiting to happen. I knew my weight was a problem – I’d always been bigger than my friends, but it wasn’t until I went to college and started socialising more that my weight began to climb.”
In the past, Ali had considered weight loss surgery. She says she can see why people are tempted by weight loss drugs and more drastic weight loss measures.
“She said: “I know how it feels to be completely desperate. I’d have given anything to be 13st lighter, but it felt so out of reach. Now I know that no quick fix can help you lose weight and keep it off. The healthy habits I have learned along the way have been invaluable.”
‘Stop those impulse buys when you get hungry’
Jenny Squires, 61, has lost weight and gained friends while at the Slimming World group at the Wolseley Trust in Ford.
So far, she has shed almost 2st, and consultant Rachel Webber was full of praise for her.
Rachel said: “Jenny loves Slimming World and finds Slimming World encourages her to cook and eat more healthily. Jenny has loads of wonderful tips for other members and her top tip for anyone wanting to lose weight is to always try and plan ahead so you always have things with you to stop those impulse buys when you get hungry.
‘Being slim is a lifelong journey’
Jane Williams, 63, attends the Plympton Slimming World group with consultant Deborah Malone. After years of fad diets, Jane has realised that unrealistic goals won’t work for her. So far, with Slimming World, she has lost 2st.
“I’ve struggled with my weight most of my adult life trying all sorts of ridiculous diets, cabbage soup, meal replacements and funnily enough, they’ve never worked in the long term,” Jane said.
“Slimming World and being part of Debbie’s group ” finally made me realise that being slim is a lifelong journey. The group is a great means of support! Especially Debbie! Give it a try – you’ve got nothing to lose but weight.”
‘Slimming World has literally changed my life’
Tiffany Osborne, 49, has lost 3st through the Plympton Slimming World group and changed her life.
“Obese, high blood pressure, palpitations were some of my symptoms, but most of all I was unhappy,” Tiffany said.
“This is not my first time, but Debbie (Deborah Malone) has been amazing, and her group is so supportive. If I could give anyone any advice, I’d say to make sure you stay for image therapy, as that is where the magic happens. Also, planning is essential to staying on track. Things that I found difficult, I don’t even have to worry about now. I have finally made healthy habits that will hopefully stick with me forever.”
‘It is a state of mind’
John Lee, 67, is also an attendee of the Plympton group and has lost 3st so far. He finds the weekly class to be a great way to learn.
“I like the clear, concise guidelines and number of resources at your fingertips. The weekly class is also a great way to get ideas and support from Debbie, our consultant, and fellow group members.”
If John could offer one top tip, it would be to join Slimming World: “It is a state of mind that you must consider and focus on and a lifestyle adjustment. Life does and should go on and you will have good and bad days, but you need to stick with it to achieve the health benefits and regain that person you used to be.”
‘It’s not just one weigh-in a week’
Hannah Langley, 33, has lost an impressive 6st through the Plympton Slimming World group. She loves the flexibility to fit into her schedule.
“My top tip would be to stay to group and make the most of all the people and support that is available. It is a lifestyle change, not just one weigh-in a week.”
‘No food is forbidden’
Sharon Eves, of the Plympton Slimming World group, has lost 3st without measuring or counting her foods.
“What I love about Slimming World is that no food is forbidden. There is a variety of free foods you can eat without measuring or counting. You can still enjoy a glass of wine and eat out. The friends you make at group – it’s a really supportive community.”
The 64-year-old encourages anyone looking to lose weight not to be intimidated by joining a group.
“Stay to group and listen to others for new meal and snack ideas. Don’t be afraid to walk in a group for the first time. As soon as you walk through the door you will feel welcome.”
‘I’m bettering my wellbeing’
Laura Nimmin, 37, joined Slimming World in Plympton to better herself. She has already seen success with a loss of 4st.
“I joined Slimming World to improve myself and it’s definitely helped me achieve my goal in bettering my wellbeing,” she said. “A key part of this is the group I attend. Like an encouraging community that helps me stay on track.”
‘Eating habits have transformed my life for the better’
Gina Connelly, with the Plympton Slimming World group, loves trying healthy recipes or adapting her own.
“I absolutely love Slimming World as it has helped me embed healthy eating habits that have transformed my life for the better, making me feel much younger and healthier,” Gina, 63, said. “I love trying their healthy recipes or adapting my own recipes, making them Slimming World friendly.”
It’s clearly working for Gina as she’s already lost 3st: “You never feel you are missing out. I also love going to the meetings each week which are supportive, fun and a great community where I have made many friends.
“Have the courage to go along and join, and you certainly won’t regret it. The excellent support you receive will help you on your weight loss journey towards a new you.“
‘You never get bored’
Shirley Bennetts, 63, has lost 3st with the Plympton group.
“I like Slimming World because you never get bored,” she said. “There are so many different recipes to suit all tastes. My top tip would be stay to group for the advice and support.”
‘I truly embarked on a path to a healthier lifestyle’
A doctor warned Helen McHale that she was verging on being pre-diabetic, so she began attending WeightWatchers under her GP’s subscription.
Helen said: “My GP identified concerns about my blood sugar levels, hinting at the looming threat of pre-type 2 diabetes. While I had attempted weight loss in the past, it wasn’t until I found the structured support of Weight Watchers, initially through my GP’s referral, that I truly embarked on a path to a healthier lifestyle.”
She admitted that online workshops posed challenges during the pandemic, but she says that she persisted with WeightWatchers independently after her GP’s subscription ended because she was “driven by a desire for lasting change.”
“The most profound change I’ve experienced is the revitalisation of my energy levels and mobility,” she said. “Shedding 3st has not only lightened the physical burden I carry, but has also empowered me to tackle once-daunting tasks, such as traversing steep hills to the social club for weekly bingo, with newfound ease and vigour.”
‘The health benefits have been profound’
When Wendy Brewer was referred to WeightWatchers by her doctor, she was initially surprised. At 80 years of age, she was told she was prediabetic.
She said: “Through gradual adjustments and dedication to the Weight Watchers programme, I shed nearly 2st, effectively moving out of the prediabetic category.
“The health benefits have been profound. With the weight loss, I’ve noticed a surge in energy and a shift towards making healthier choices in my diet. I’ve embraced more physical activity, particularly enjoying walks and indulging in my passion for rock and roll dancing.”
‘The support of my wife and children was really reassuring’
Plymouth landlord Darron Toy shed almost 7st after joining Slimming World.
Darron, who runs the Dolphin pub, said his wife was struggling to lose weight so in January 2022 they decided to join Slimming World together to keep each other on track. Darron went on to lose 6st 10lbs and has been hailed as a “huge inspiration” to other slimmers in their group.
The dad-of-four said he made small changes, including swapping to diet drinks and ditching butter for light cheese triangles. He still tucks into his favourite curries, steaks, burgers, roast dinners, fry-ups and fish and chips, but with a healthy twist.
Darron said: “Slimming World has made a huge difference to our shopping now, we don’t buy huge packs of crisps or sweets as it would just lead us back to old bad habits.”
‘I feel so good now’
Despite having successfully lost weight with Slimming World in the past, Angela Webb said that she became ‘absolutely convinced’ the menopause would stop her being able to lose weight.
Angela said: “I was feeling really fed up with not feeling like myself, so decided to give Slimming World another go. I feel so good now as I have lost over a stone eating normal tasty food.
“I love eating potato wedges the Slimming World way – all the family recipes like chilli, spaghetti bolognese, cottage pies and sausage casseroles. We love a roast with SW roast spuds done in the air-fryer.”
‘I used to hold my breath to tie my shoes because my belly was in the way’
Describing himself as transformed from a ‘couch slouch’ to a keen cyclist, Dougie Rogers changed his life by losing nearly 6st. He is now using his success to shape a new career, helping others achieve their weight loss dreams.
Dougie joined his local Slimming World group in Tavistock in January 2024. Having already lost almost 3st by himself, he dropped the final 3st to reach his goal.
Dougie said: “I cannot believe I am no longer that sedentary guy sitting at my desk or on the sofa. I realised that my weight was having a detrimental effect on both my physical and mental health. I used to hold my breath to tie my shoes because my belly was in the way.
“I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and taking medication for high cholesterol and blood pressure, but I’m now free of all these medicines.”
Dougie now runs his own Slimming World groups in Devonport.
‘I’d tried every fad diet going’
Sarah Daniels from Plymouth lost an impressive 11st 7lb through Slimming World.
Sarah said: “At group, we are passionate about sharing tasty, delicious fuss-free slimming recipes and members love discovering the huge array of tasty dishes they can enjoy while losing weight.
“I’d tried every fad diet going before Slimming World. I’d tried the juices, smoothies, soups, and ban this. Yes, they worked initially, but in the long term, they ruined my social life, my confidence and my relationship with food.
“I learnt with Slimming World that long-term weight loss takes time, commitment, and effort, and ultimately, I completely overhauled my habits to build a new lifestyle. But I didn’t have to do it alone, I did it with the support of members in group and I’m so glad I get to provide that support to my members too as a consultant.”
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