A SLIMMER who transformed her life by losing 2.5 stone is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Kelly Fitzgerald joined her local Slimming World group in Ulverston five-years-ago and dropped from 12st10lbs to 10st3lbs.

Now, she has trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, after completing various diplomas and intensive Slimming World training. Members at the group are getting ready to welcome Kelly as their new Consultant when she takes over the group on Wednesday May 19 at 7pm at Grange Methodist Church.

The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. 62.6 per cent of Cumbria’s population is now overweight or obese, and Kelly says her new role has never been more important.

“Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK, and particularly after the past year, it’s on the rise," Ms Fitzgerald said.

"When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight and to impact their lives in such a positive way, but now I just can’t wait to get started. A

"After losing 2.5st 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 to get to target and achieve their dreams.

"For me, Slimming World isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about the confidence and self-worth that comes with it. It really is magic!

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone.

"I couldn’t have lost 2.5 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.

"It doesn’t matter how much weight you want to lose, it is my mission to get you to your goal. 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. And of course, what happens in group, stays in group.

“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, and whilst still being able to chow down on meals such as Dirty Fries, pancakes, burgers, chips and fry ups! It really works!

“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 like going to the gym or running.

"Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love getting out in nature so a good stroll with my daughter is top of my list. And even cleaning the house is counted as Body Magic! Wahoo!

"As a Consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others - and to have loads of fun along the way!”