A Caulkerbush woman who dropped 14 dress sizes is hoping her slimming story will inspire others.
Fiona Neilson decided to act four years ago after being diagnosed with heart failure.
And after losing more than four-and-a-half stone with Slimming World, she has trained as a consultant and is launching a group in Dalbeattie on September 8.
Fiona, age 64, said: “Joining Slimming World was the lifeline I needed and I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.
“After losing 4.5 stones 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.
“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. 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 slimming journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.”
Fiona decided to go to Slimming World with a friend in 2018 after her diagnosis when she weighed 17 stone and shed 5lbs in her first week alone.
Her BMI has now dropped from more than 50 to less than 30, her heart health has improved and she has gone from a size 28 to a size 14.
She added: “The encouragement I have received from my fellow members has been incredible and I love that I can celebrate their successes along with mine.
“I always try to add some body magic activity into my daily routine. Even a simple walk with the dog, which was impossible before, counts towards my progress. I still have a few pounds to lose to reach my personal target but I know that it won’t be long before I get there.”
Nina Cloy, who runs Slimming World’s Castle Douglas group and manages Fiona 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 Fiona’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.”
Fiona’s Slimming World sessions will take place in Dalbeattie Parish Church Hall from 5.30pm every Thursday from September 8. For more information head along, call 07359 446754 or email dalbeattieslim@gmail.com.
