Transformed Gemma sets up new Slimming World group
A SLIMMER, who transformed her life by losing one and a half stone since having her son, is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight-loss dreams too.
Gemma Davies joined her local Slimming World group in Blaina Community Centre, which meets on Saturday’s at 9.30am, dropped from a size 16 to a size 10/12.
Gemma has now trained as a consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at its national training academy in Derbyshire. Now she is opening her own group in Ebbw Vale at The Christian Centre (Apostolic Church), on February 27 at 5.30pm.
Gemma 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 since losing 1.5 stone I just can’t wait to get started.
“After completing my training, 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.
“For me, loosing the weight has helped me achieve a whole new level of confidence and I’m now wearing clothes I never would of looked at before. I even fitted into size 12 jeans for the first time in years!’
“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost 1.5 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group.
“As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, 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.
“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous 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 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 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, such as going to the gym or running.
Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. As a consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others – it’s going to be great fun!”
Like Gemma, Slimming World consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves. Groups are set up as micro businesses in the heart of local communities. There are currently around 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 and learn how to use the power of group support to empower members to take control of their own weight loss journey.
As self-employed microentrepreneurs, consultants also learn how to build a successful community-based business.
Gemma says she can’t wait for the new challenges running her own 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 busy family life, so launching my own Slimming World group was an ideal option – I feel like I’ve got a brand new career and I can’t wait for my new group to run now!
Sarah Legge who runs Slimming World groups in Ebbw Vale and manages Gemma 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 Gemma’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.”
Gemma’s Slimming World group will be held at The Christian Centre (Apostolic Church), opposite the fire station every Wednesday at 5.30pm from February 27.
For more information or to join Gemma’s group either pop along on February 27 or call her on 07986 980911. Or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.