Slimming success sets Hazel on career path
A slimmer who transformed her life by losing three stone is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight-loss dreams too.
Hazel McNiven joined her local Slimming World group in Armadale and in only five months had dropped from 15st 3lb to 12st 1.5lbs to reach her target weight.
She has now trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight-loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire.
Members at the Armadale Thursday evening group are getting ready to welcome Hazel as their new consultant when she takes over on April 20.
The latest figures reveal that around one in four adults is obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. Sixty-five per cent of Scotland’s population is now overweight, and Hazel says her new role has never been more important.
She says:“Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World, I never dreamed I would end up helping other people to lose weight.
“After losing three stone and 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. Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost three stone without the weekly help and encouragement of my 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. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tonsons of support, encouragement and fun. .
“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by y following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d get tired of restricting what I ate.
“I thought I was destined to strugglegle 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 na a diet. Becoming more active is important too.
“Our Body Magic programme takes es the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced ed to take part in activity at school, how w they can build activity into their daily y 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 running around after my wee grandson Jack to get my Body Magic. As a consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others.”
Like Hazel, Slimming World Consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group, which are set up as micro businesses in the community.
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 communitybased business. Hazel says she can’t wait for the new challenges running her own business will bring.
She said:“For me becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option. I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible and fitted around my existing work and 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.”
Moira Rennie, who runs Slimming World’s Armadale Saturday group and manages Edinburgh South East as a Team Developer, says:“With Hazel’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.”
Hazel’s Slimming World group will be held at Armadale Methodist Church Hall on Thursdays at 5.30pm then 7.30pm from April 20.
Call Hazel on 07743 073 620 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.