MEMBERS of Slimming World in Abergele are preparing to welcome their new Consultant, Pauline Jones, on Wednesday, January 26.

Slimming World is the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, with up to 4,000 consultants running more than 15,000 groups across the UK and Ireland.

All Slimming World consultants, including Pauline, are former members who have lost weight at their respective groups themselves.

The latest government figures have revealed that one in four adults are obese, with this set to increase to one in three by 2034.

And with 1.3 per cent of Abergele’s population now classed as obese, Pauline’s work has never been more important.

NHS figures state that between 2019 and 2020, more than one million hospital admissions occurred where obesity was a factor, a sharp increase of 17 per cent on the previous year’s figures.

With obesity increasing the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory and liver diseases, as well as type 2 diabetes, worsening mental health, and at least 12 types of cancer, the figures are a concern for health services and those in Pauline’s line of work.

Pauline 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 get started.

“After losing just under 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 to get to target.”

Pauline’s own experience with losing weight with Slimming World is proof of the impact these sessions can have on its members, yet these sessions are not just geared around dietary amendments.

She added: “Slimming World isn't just about changing what you eat.

“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.

“Like a lot of slimmers, I have 'been there, done it and got the T-shirt' having tried to lose weight over many years following numerous diets but finding that they were never sustainable, because I would always get tired of restricting what I ate and getting bored with eating the same things day after day.

“I firmly believed that 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. Their 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 is no deprivation. I couldn't believe I had found a way to lose weight without starving myself.

“I feel like I have a brand new career and I cannot wait to take over the wonderful groups in Abergele.”

Pauline’s Slimming World group will be held at The Scout Hut, Groeslwyd, every Wednesday morning at 8.30am and 10.00am, and The Old People's Club on Church Street each Wednesday evening at 5.30pm and 7.00pm, from January 26.

For more information or to join Pauline's group, either pop along on January 26 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk.