A Wigan woman and now slimming coach is celebrating keeping the pounds at bay for 17 years

A Wigan woman who has become so successful at keeping the pounds at bay that she now runs her own class, is celebrating a landmark in her weightloss journey.

Here Cath Cleary explains how her involvement in Slimming World and the support of her peers has helped her reach 17 years since she shed a mighty four stones.

“Of course, it hasn’t always been plain sailing. Like so many women, I found menopause an absolute nightmare! I literally seemed to wake up one morning weighing a stone heavier, with absolutely no idea why. My body was changing, and what had worked before suddenly needed a little rethinking.

It wasn’t easy. There was a lot of soul-searching, plenty of adjustments and times when I had to remind myself why I started in the first place. But throughout it all, one thing remained constant – the support of my Slimming World Group.

The Food Optimising plan works, but that doesn’t mean our journey never changes. As we get older, our bodies change, our circumstances change, and sometimes we need to adapt our approach to keep moving forward.

Then, in January, I reached another milestone in my journey, and this one has probably been the hardest yet. While waiting for gallbladder surgery, I’ve had to make further changes and learn to listen to my body in a different way.

Fast-forward to today, and I’m feeling absolutely amazing!

Looking back over 17 years, I realise that my journey has never been just about the number on the scales. It’s been about learning, adapting, building confidence and discovering that we don’t have to do this alone.

The one constant throughout my entire journey has been Group support. The friendships I’ve made, the knowledge I’ve gained, the encouragement on the difficult weeks and the celebrations when things go right have all played such an important part in helping me maintain my weight loss.

And that, for me, is what makes Slimming World so special.

It’s not simply a plan or a set of food choices. It’s the wraparound care, the understanding, the accountability and the community that helps us navigate real life – even when life throws us a few curveballs!

I genuinely believe there is something incredibly powerful about walking into a weekly group, knowing you’ll be welcomed, understood and supported, whatever your week has looked like.

I’m so proud to be part of Slimming World, and even prouder to be a Weight Loss Consultant, helping others discover what is possible when they have the right tools, knowledge and support around them.

Today, I’m privileged to run eight weekly sessions across Hindley Green and Daisy Hill, supporting people at every stage of their own journeys.

Whether you’re just starting out, returning after time away, navigating menopause, facing health challenges or simply wanting to feel like you again, there is a place for you in my groups.

Because if 17 years at Target has taught me anything, it’s this:

Your journey doesn’t have to be perfect. Your circumstances may change, and you may need to change with them. But with the right support, you can keep moving forward.

And I’ll be right there, cheering you on every step of the way!”