A Cheshire beauty therapist who lost an 9st 7lbs after being inspired by her own mum's weight loss success says the changes she's made have had a positive impact on the whole family.

Lorraine Jervis-Garner, 34, from Holmes Chapel, joined her local Slimming World group in January 2023 after struggling with her weight following the birth of her daughter, three-year-old Ayda.

At her heaviest, she weighed 19st 6lbs and says she felt like she'd lost herself. Today, Lorraine weighs a trim 9st 11lbs, wears a size 8 and is enjoying an active lifestyle she once thought was out of reach.

Lorraine's story reflects the findings of new independent research^[1], published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Paediatrics Open, which found that many parents attending weight management groups reported positive changes in their children's health behaviours, including increased physical activity and eating healthier food.

The survey, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), explored the experiences of 396 Slimming World members with children aged five to 11 and found that:

• more than two thirds (67 per cent) who were concerned about their child's weight felt more motivated to support them after addressing their own weight
• almost half (48 per cent) of parents reported healthy improvements in what their child ate after they joined the weight loss programme
• more than a quarter (27 per cent) said their child had become more physically active

The findings of the research, carried out at the University of Bristol, comes as experts warn younger adults face the greatest risk of future weight gain.

Global studies predict one in three children, teenagers and young adults could be living with overweight or obesity by 2050 and research shows children with parents living with obesity are more likely to develop it themselves.

Lorraine said: "I gained more than two stone during pregnancy. I felt frumpy, uncomfortable and completely unlike myself.

"After Ayda was born, I struggled to look after myself. I often skipped meals, relying on custard creams to get me through busy days with a newborn – along with full-sugar cola and convenience foods."

Things changed when Lorraine's mum, Loretta Dunne, 70, suggested she join her at her local Slimming World group run by Consultant Julie Pugh.

It was here Lorraine discovered a world of satisfying, everyday recipes that helped her enjoy food while losing weight.

Lorraine said "It suddenly clicked that healthy food could be delicious. I started cooking from scratch, planning meals and getting organised.

"Instead of takeaways and ready meals, I was making peri-peri chicken, homemade chips and family dinners we'd all enjoy together."

The changes quickly spread beyond Lorraine herself as she began cooking healthy homemade dishes for the whole family. Chicken nuggets for Ayda are made from scratch and cooked in the air fryer, family meals are planned in advance and shopping trips revolve around fresh ingredients rather than processed foods.

"Ayda loves helping me cook now," Lorraine says. "She's always in the kitchen with me. I really hope I'm setting a positive example for her and showing her healthy habits that will stay with her as she grows up."

Lorraine says her husband Ryan, 33, has also benefitted: "Ryan never needed to lose weight, but when we look back at photos from when Ayda was born, he's definitely slimmer now too because we're all eating the same meals. His weight doesn't fluctuate in the way it used to."

Lorraine's mum, Loretta attends the same group and they often enjoy meals together. Loretta has also lost 3 stone herself.

As Lorraine's confidence grew, so did her activity levels. Lorraine began taking evening walks around her village before progressing to longer family walks with Ayda and their cockerpoo Hugo. Eventually, she started running.

She said: "I always liked the idea of running but when I was heavier my ankles would hurt and I'd wonder how other people managed it, now I'm one of those people."

"The person I am now is the person I've always wanted to be. Nothing beats the way I feel today. Most of all, I'm proud that Ayda is growing up seeing healthy habits as part of everyday family life."

Dr Sarah-Elizabeth Bennett, Senior Nutritionist at Slimming World, said: "These findings reinforce what we've long known at Slimming World: when parents adopt healthier habits, the benefits often extend beyond the individual and become part of everyday family life."

Lorraine's food swap:

BEFORE

Breakfast: Six custard creams and a cup of tea

Mid-morning: Biscuits, usually around six custard creams

Lunch: Two cans of full sugar cola, 2-3 packets of crisps and a chocolate bar

Dinner: Takeaway pizza, a full sugar cola and a bag of chocolates for dessert

AFTER

Breakfast: Overnight oats and fat free natural yoghurt, topped with fresh raspberries and strawberries or at weekends a bacon barm

Lunch: Chicken salad or a cheese omelette with salad and a can of low sugar lemonade

Dinner: Peri-peri chicken with homemade Slimming World chips and salad and a fat-free flavoured yoghurt

SWIPS: Disaronno with cranberry juice in a large gin glass with lots of ice so it lasts

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