Busy working mum Jane Lyons, from Stalybridge, has lost more than two stone and is now shaping a new career helping others change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams.  

Jane joined her local Slimming World group in Millbrook in 2018, having been a member on and off since 2009. 

On returning to her group in Millbrook, she said: “I was full of enthusiasm, because I knew that the support from my Slimming World consultant Marie Hare at Reach Church, Stalybridge, where I attend, along with the other group members, was exactly what I needed to help motivate and support me to reach my goal weight.” 

She said ‘the welcoming, friendly atmosphere in the group’ has led to her meeting people who have become ‘friends for life.’

Jane has now trained as a consultant for Slimming World herself, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire.

Both new and existing members in Stalybridge are getting ready to welcome Jane as their new consultant when she launches her new group today (Thursday).

Jane said: “I have come to realise that being a member of Slimming World isn’t about losing weight as a ‘quick fix’. It’s about making changes for good, to lose weight and keep it off forever.”

Recent government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that by 2034, this will have increased to one in three. 

In addition to this, in children aged 10 to 11, one in five are very overweight. Jane says her new role helping families to lose weight and live healthier lifestyles has never been more important.

Severe health issue figures due to obesity are rising rapidly throughout the UK, only a few years ago smoking was a huge strain on the NHS, now unfortunately obesity is rapidly becoming an even bigger burden.

The pandemic has also created problems. According to the NHS director for diabetes and obesity ‘the pandemic has changed our lives and taken a toll on mind and body with thousands of people paying a heavy price, and many gaining weight during lockdown”.

Jane is passionate about being a good role model for those around her, especially her two young daughters and added: “I know that I influence my daughters to make healthy choices and they really enjoy Slimming World food too. I want to extend that influence to local families.

“I couldn’t have lost over two stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group. 

“As someone whose weight has fluctuated all my adult life, I understand the challenges people can face. That’s why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.”

Jane said: “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 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.”

Jane’s Slimming World group will be held at Silver Springs Academy Primary School, School Crescent, Stalybridge, SK15 1EA, every Thursday at 6pm from tonight.

For more information or to join Jane’s group you can give her a call on 07742 046 993 for more information.

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