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Forres Slimming World Zoom meetings helping members to stay focused on their goals


By Garry McCartney

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Evening group Woman of the Year Rachel Wilson has lost a total of just under seven stone.
Evening group Woman of the Year Rachel Wilson has lost a total of just under seven stone.

A LOCAL weight loss group has adjusted well to the 'new normal' through the coronavirus pandemic.

On the announcement of lockdown in March, consultant Kay Ford introduced Slimming World's new virtual system, ensuring the majority of her members were able weigh themselves at home, and stay focused via weekly Zoom meetings.

She said: "It's been a tough year for everyone but I'm determined to keep the Slimming World flag flying and our members have surprised and delighted me with their commitment.

"We’ve had some great successes with 70 per cent of members attending the virtual group. Two of our members even gained their personal achievement targets!"

Rachel Wilson has gone on to lose just under seven stone in total and Kelly Smith also achieved her goal, losing more than five and a half stone. As a result, the pair were respectively awarded evening and morning group Women of the Year 2020 titles.

Rachel admitted it was hard to stay on track.

She said: "For a few weeks at the start of lockdown - I found it hard to stay focused with everything else that was going on. Being able to continue to weigh in each week and having Kay available with help and support is what kept me on track.

"My biggest fear was losing my way over lockdown and putting the weight back on - it seems like a small worry in the grand scheme of things but losing the weight genuinely has changed my life."

She added: "Reaching my target weight was a fantastic feeling. All the hard work over the last two-and-a-half years paid off! Being voted Woman of the Year by my fellow Slimming World members means a lot to me, especially when many of them are who I took inspiration from when I first started."

Kelly initially found it difficult to plan meals as she never know what would be available, if and when she managed to get to the shops.

She said: "The Zoom meetings helped me to stay connected with other members so we could offer each other support when it was needed

"I couldn't believe it when I reached my target weight - I am so happy and proud of myself. Now I have the new challenge of learning to maintain my new weight but I am sure that I can do it with the continued support of my consultant, family, friends and other group members.

She added: "Being voted for Woman of the Year by came as a surprise but it has given me a boost in confidence to know that my hard work made an impression."

Kay runs the 'venue and virtual' service on Wednesdays from the Scout Hall on Bank Lane, in accordance with Scottish Government guidelines on social distancing and personal protective measures. Members weigh on the official scales then meet on Zoom for image therapy to get motivation and support.

Kay finished: "Members share thoughts, ideas and recipes from the comfort of their own home. As well as ensuring everyone has their plan in place for the week ahead, it's a great chance to catch up with old friends."

For more information, contact Kay on 07768 131676 or check slimmingworld.co.uk.



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