A slimmer who transformed her life in 1999 before becoming a Slimming World consultant is now celebrating 25 years of helping other people lose weight.
Lynn Cox, 56, joined her local Slimming World group in Romsey 26 years ago in August 1998 and dropped over three stone, before becoming a consultant for the UK's largest group-based weight loss organisation in April 1999.
Over the years she has seen hundreds of members join her group, some of them successfully getting to their chosen Target weight, with some of them still at the group 11 years on.
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Lynn, who also lives in Romsey, said: "We’ve had laughter, screams and tears throughout their journeys. We’ve had competition winners, ‘wear it again’ nights where I dressed in my wedding dress, and some members in school clothes. We have also raised lots of money for different charities collecting odd change and also with our yearly ‘Clothes throw’ for Cancer Research UK."
Lynn reminisced of seeing members lose weight for a variety of different reasons from holidays and weddings, but for many it has been an opportunity to improve their health. For some, it has even given them the opportunity to have a family.
Lynn continued: "I have made many friends along the way as have my members. The group is a very safe place to be yourself and get the help and support we all need at some point in our journeys."
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In the first three months of 2024, Lynns group members have lost an astonishing 96 stone and 12 pounds.
Over the years Lynn has continued her training at their national training academy in Derbyshire, to keep her up-to-date and ready to help her members in Romsey and Lordshill groups.
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. Lynn says her role has never been more important.
She 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 here I am 25 years later just loving my job!
“Support is the most important thing. It all starts with the feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost my weight 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.
"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."
Lynn’s Slimming World groups are in Romsey every Monday and Lordshill every Wednesday. For more information or to join Lynn’s group either pop along or call her on 07971354179.
For more information on Slimming World, visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
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