A FORMER teacher turned weight loss consultant whose own slimming journey saw her lose two-and-a-half stone is taking on a whole new challenge.

Jo Yates, who lives in Weaverham, puts her slimming success down to Winnington's Slimming World group, and was so inspired help others, decided to quit teaching and re-train as weight loss consultant.

After qualifying, the 30-year-old went on to take over the Winnington group as their new leader in May this year, where she has already helped tens of people move forward with their weight loss goals.

Off the back of this success, the mother-of-one is now set to take over a second group, this time in Wharton, Winsford, based at Trinity Methodist Church Hall on Church Road.

Winsford-born Jo said: “I never dreamed I would end up helping other people to lose weight, but now I've found a career I love doing just that.

“It’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight, and understanding which helped me, so I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

“As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face.

“Like a lot of slimmers, I tried to lose weight so many times before by following all kinds of diets but they were never sustainable. 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.

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone.

“Along with the group, I will be there to support all my members to their chosen target weight.

“I couldn’t have lost two-and-a-half stone stone without the weekly help and encouragement of my own consultant and the group.

“As a consultant, it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people share their ideas and experiences to help others. It’s going to be great fun.”

Slimming World consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves, then go on to set up groups as community businesses.  

Jo says she’s really enjoying all the new challenges of being self-employed.

“For me, working for myself is a great option.

“I wanted a job that's well paid, flexible, and could fit around my family and young daughter. This was an ideal option.

“I feel like I’ve got a brand new career and I can’t wait for my new groups to run now.”