Hopeman woman turns her new lifestyle into a career

A HOPEMAN WOMAN whose life was transformed after shedding five stone has determined to dedicate her working life to help other achieve similar weight loss and health turnarounds.

June Jamieson joined the local Slimming World group in Lossiemouth two years ago – and fairly quickly used the encouragement of other members to drop from a size 18/20 to 10/12.

Since then she has trained at a national academy in Derbyshire as a Consultant for the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation.

With government figures revealing that one quarter of all adults are obese, it has been forecast by by 2034 that will increase to one third. In addition, 65% of Scotland’s population is overweight or obese – convincing June that her new role will never be 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 now I just can’t wait to get started.

“After losing just over five 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 their personal target.”

Pointing to the vital importance of peer support in a successful weight loss regime, June added: “It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost over five stone 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.”

Many of those wishing to lose weight will identify with June’s contention that the problem is most do not sustain a diet – simply because they become weary of restricting what they could eat.

June added: “I thought 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.

“The 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’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.”

She added that slimming does not depend simply on changing what you eat and how often – becoming more active is also important, and the programme they offer takes the threat out of activities by showing how they can be built into a daily routine.

“Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car,” Jane said, adding: “I love walking my dog and cycling with my young son. As a Consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others – it’s going to be great fun.”

Slimming World consultants are effectively business women, taking on a local franchise – but their first priority is knowing what it is like to go through a weight-loss regime.

Now June can’t wait to begin a new challenge of running her own business – and helping people achieve the same goals she once had to conquer: “For me becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option.

“I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible and could fit around my busy family life and our farm, so launching my own Slimming World group was an ideal option – I feel like I’ve got a brand new career and I can’t wait to take over running the group.”

June’s Slimming World group will be held at Hopeman Bowling Club every Tuesday at 7.30pm from August 29.

For more information or to join June’s group either pop along or call her on 07730 924178.