A SLIMMER who transformed her life by losing eight stone is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams.

Joanne Royle joined her local Slimming World group in Oldham nearly six years ago and dropped from 18 stone 2lbs to an amazing 10 stone 2lbs.

Jo has now trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at its national training academy in Derbyshire.

Now, she is opening her own group in Oldham at Sholver Community Hub Sholver Lane on Monday, July 16.

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.

Some 66.8% of Oldham’s population is now overweight or obese, and Jo said her new role has never been more important.

She plans to acquaint as many health centres as possible with the Slimming World on Referral Scheme and also go into schools with the plan for 11 to 15 year olds called Free to Go, which is all about making healthy choices, encouraging healthy eating, creating great habits for the future.

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 eight 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.

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost eight stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group.”