A SLIMMER who transformed her life by losing nine and a half stones is using her success to develop a new career in Dinas Powys and surrounding areas, helping other people change their lives for the better too.

Nicky Howard-Kemp joined her local Slimming World group in South East London in 2010 and in 20 months dropped from 19 stone 4½ lbs to 9st 11½ lbs. After maintaining her weight loss for over a year Nicky decided to train as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s leading slimming club, and opened her own group in London. Now, after her recent move to the Vale, Nicky is delighted to be the new consultant for the Dinas Powys Slimming World groups on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings.

With the latest government figures revealing that around 24 per cent of the population are overweight or obese, Nicky says her role has never been more important.

Nicky 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 having helped so many members in London I now just can't wait to start helping members at my Dinas Powys groups. 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.

"Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I'd always get tired of restricting what I ate. 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 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.

"Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. It’s all about getting the support to choose a healthier lifestyle like finding ways to become more active even if you're not very mobile or don’t like exercise.

"My weight loss has completely changed my life. Not only do I now have the freedom to buy clothes wherever I want but my health has improved beyond belief. My weight was causing terrible sleep apnoea which meant I was constantly tired, falling asleep at my desk and I even had to give up driving because I couldn't stay awake. And now I no longer get out of breath walking to the front gate and I can enjoy a brisk walk through Porthceri Park without my husband having to push me up the hill!

"On top of that, I’ve got a fantastic career that has made it so easy to move from London to Wales. It’s well-paid and the hours fit around my family, but best of all I’m doing something that I’m passionate about. As a slimmer myself I know how hard it can be and I couldn't have lost 9½ stone without my Consultant Kim and my group. Sharing recipes and other ideas, and overcoming disappointments as well as celebrating success was all part of the journey, so there'll be lots of support, encouragement and fun at my Slimming World group."

Nicky’s Slimming World groups are held in The Cabin at the rear of Hebron Hall in Dinas Powys every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Friday at 9.30am.

For more information or to join Nicky’s group either pop along any Thursday or Friday or call her on 07703 313619. Visit www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000 for more information.