A weight has been lifted for local slimmer's as they are an incredible 1690 stone lighter since January in real-life and at home thanks Slimming World Alsager & Rode Heath groups in 2020.

Julie, Sarah and Linsey are delighted to be helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person, and virtually, the results on the scales show just how much members are loving being it too.

Julie Pugh said: "We have been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since March, and with our real live groups measures have been in place since the national lockdown first closed our community groups.

"In our live groups, we have put measures in place to comply fully with local and Government guidance, of course, to ensure members are safe, happy and comfortable being back at our group.

"It has been absolutely amazing to adapt our service during the pandemic, it has proven that there really is no better feeling than the magic of a real-life Slimming World group – and the amazing results speak for themselves – a combined 1690 stone lost between them this year.

"And where we cannot meet in groups because of local restrictions, we have set up temporary, emergency venue virtual groups, which means that members can still come and weigh in and talk about how they are doing.

"Members said that they have really missed being together and – that feeling of community, swapping recipes and sharing ideas, and being there for each other through the highs and the lows of their journey.

"This year has been far from easy for all of us, with some people struggling more than others, but for lots of our members all of the challenges and anxieties have actually made them more determined than ever to achieve their goals and improve their health.

"They have proved anyone wanting to lose weight and feel healthier – which research shows could protect against disease – does not have to give up on their dreams."

Member Andrea who joined the Rode Heath group in September has now lost 2 stone 2 ½. She says: "Like a lot of people, I found lockdown challenging and gained a few extra pounds.

"With so much in the news about weight and associated health risks including COVID-19, I wanted to make a healthy new start and take my health into my own hands. I joined Julie's group when it reopened, and I have not looked back since and continued to lose weight throughout the second lockdown

"I know it can be nerve-wracking to join a Slimming World group for the first time, especially now, but I can assure anyone whose worrying about their weight that there's no judgment at Slimming World, just respect and care – and it's absolutely safe.

"Every single person in the room has been there themselves, everyone understands exactly how it feels and everyone's welcome at our group.

"I know that I was taking comfort in food and alcohol. As well as being able to share how we are feeling, being able to share ideas about how to enjoy delicious food and feel fitter and healthier has made a real difference not just to my weight, it's helped me have a much more positive outlook too.

"If anyone's worrying about going hungry – before I joined, I definitely thought losing weight meant I would be starving – don't, Slimming World's plan is about eating everyday foods and all your favourite meals, you just find out how to make small changes to how you cook them that make a big difference to your weight."

Alsager & Rode Heath local Slimming World groups are running now. To find out more or to book your place contact:

Julie in Rode heath Mondays 07739 093 705

Linsey in Alsager Tuesdays 07557 271 840

Julie added: "If you are worrying about your weight and feeling alone and desperate, do not give up. Do not put it off.

"Our Slimming World groups are here and getting together every week, 52 weeks of the year. We would love to be celebrating weight loss milestones with you, so if you are thinking of joining, come and be part of that success – you will be welcomed by every one of us."

Bookings being taken now for January 2021. For more information visit Slimming World's website.