A SLIMMER who transformed her life by losing two and a half stone is using her success to shape a whole new career.

Michelle Berkhoff joined her local Slimming World group in Ellesmere Port two years ago and dropped from a size 14 to size 10.

Michelle has now trained as a consultant for Slimming World. Since opening her Little Sutton Monday morning group at the library and with her business booming, she is now opening a second group in Little Sutton at Little Sutton Methodist Church on Mondays at 5.30pm and 7pm.

Michelle says her new role has never been more important, following latest Government figures revealing around one in four adults are obese, and it is estimated the average weight gain over lockdown has been one and a half stone.

Speaking as National Obesity Awareness Week is to take place from January 10-16, Michelle 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 help even more people in the Little Sutton area.

"After losing two-and-a-half stone and gaining nearly two years experience as a Slimming World consultant, 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.

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. Along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.”

Like Michelle, 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.

One such group can be found in Helsby, run by consultant Tracy Mason for the past three and a half years at Helsby Methodist Church. While members lose inches from their waistlines, with a collective 19 stone lost by Christmas last year, the group itself is expanding into holding morning sessions as well as evenings.

Tracy said: "Now that Christmas is over and we're heading full speed into 2023 thoughts are turning to New Year's resolutions and of course weight loss is always high on the list!

"If you like delicious foods, don't want to miss out on treats and are looking to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into your future then come and join us and see for yourself. In December I gave out a 7st award, a 6 and a half stone award and a 6st award plus lots of other fabulous achievements.

"Around 63 per cent of all adults are above a healthy weight and half of those are living with obesity, which is associated with a reduced life expectancy. These are scary statistics and weight loss can be daunting, especially if you have a lot of weight to lose but research shows that on average, Slimming World members lose a clinically significant five per cent of their body weight within three months of joining and report significant improvements in their mental well-being, have more energy and confidence and feel more sociable."

Michelle 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 could fit around my busy family life and current job, 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 groups to run now."

Bonnie Campbell, who supports the consultants in the Ellesmere Port and Chester area, manages Michelle as a team developer.

She said: “Slimming World consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others. With Michelle’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.”

Michelle’s new Slimming World group will be held at Little Sutton Methodist Church every Monday at 5.30pm and 7pm from Monday, January 9. For more information, call 07787 851 088.

For information on Tracy's Helsby group, call 07455 222708.