Hairdresser Mandy is unrecognisable after trimming off 7st and staying slim for 10 years
- Slimming World Top Target Member 2011

A mum who had to quit her job as a hairdresser because her weight meant she struggled to stand on her feet all day has won a national slimming title after losing 7st and keeping it off for 10 years.

Mandy Brinkworth, 49, from Penarth near Cardiff, gave up the job she loved 15 years ago after long hours spent cutting clients’ hair, coupled with a busy family life looking after three young boys, left her feeling permanently shattered.

She’d tried lots of diets before, but decided to join Slimming World in 2000 after recommendations from friends. Transforming her eating and activity habits, she lost an incredible 7st in a year. But her real achievement has been keeping the weight off for a whole decade. She even got her old job back working for the same hairdressers – though her appearance was so different that none of her old colleagues or clients recognised her.

“I feel younger and happier than ever,” says Mandy. “When I was overweight I just felt exhausted all the time. As a hairdresser you’re on your feet all day, but I struggled to stand up for long. Then I’d get home and wouldn’t have the energy to play with my family – something had to give.

“Since losing weight I feel like a completely new person. When I got my old job back none of my colleagues or clients recognised me at first. That was a brilliant feeling but the differences in how I look are only part of it. I’m so full of energy now. I love walking the dog and playing badminton with my children. I’m more confident than ever and have discovered a real love of life. I’d tried lots of diets before but this is different simply because it isn’t a diet. It’s a healthy way of eating that I can keep up for life and, after 10 years at target, I know I’ll keep the weight off forever now.”

Five years ago, after Mandy had maintained her weight for five years, she approached her doctor about a tummy tuck operation as she’d been left with some loose skin following her weight loss.

“The doctor agreed to the operation, but only on the condition that I gave up smoking,” continues Mandy. “If you’ve ever smoked full time you’ll know that one of the biggest challenges is that you’re used to doing something with your hands, so it’s easy to start picking at chocolate or nuts in front of the TV. However, I got my healthy nibble ideas from my fellow slimmers in group and loved keeping my hands busy with bowls of lovely fruit like strawberries and chopped melon. I’ve never smoked a cigarette since and my operation was a complete success. I feel like I can do anything now!”

Mandy won £2,000 for her prize as Slimming World Top Target Member 2011 but she says the real prize is getting her life back. “Ten years ago, for the first time in my life, I looked in the mirror and I liked what I saw – that’s what Slimming World has given me. From the moment I joined, I knew it would work for me. I could eat loads and still lose weight and everyone was so welcoming – it’s like one big family. Even now, after 10 years of maintaining my weight, I still go every single week. We’re all such good friends and we share stories, ideas and recipes every week. They keep me motivated, keep me on track. Without Slimming World’s fantastic eating plan and that ongoing commitment and support from my fellow members I would never have kept the weight off.  I’m so proud to be named Slimming World Top Target Member 2011.”

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World Head of Nutrition and Research, added: “Keeping weight off is just as big a challenge as losing it, so maintaining her weight loss for 10 years is an amazing achievement by Mandy. With Slimming World, weight loss isn’t a quick fix, it’s a way of life you carry on forever and we’re really proud of Mandy for demonstrating what a huge difference it can make.”

VITAL STATISTICS
Starting weight: 17st 8lbs (246lbs and 112kgs)
Weight now: 10st 8lbs (148lbs and 67kgs)
Weight loss: 7st (98lbs or 45kgs)
Height: 5’ 5”
Size then: 20-22
Size now: 10
Joining date: 2000
Hit target weight: 2001
Group: Mandy attends Niki Evan’s Sully Slimming World group, which is held every Tuesday at 6.30pm at The Old School, Sully.

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For further information please contact the Slimming World press office on 01773 546039 or email: public.relations@slimming-world.com

Notes to Editors

• Slimming World is the largest and most advanced slimming organisation in the UK.  Margaret Miles-Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) founded the company in 1969 and there are now more than 7,750 groups held weekly nationwide via a network of nearly 3,000 Slimming World trained Consultants.
• 400,000 members attend Slimming World every week and achieve outstanding success.
• Members lose 1.5 million stones every year; 28,500st every week; 4,071st every day; over 170st every hour, that’s 2st 8lb every minute of every day at Slimming World.
• Slimming World pioneered referral schemes in the UK and actively supports the building of partnerships with the NHS and local authorities to develop effective strategies to manage overweight and obesity in the community. Slimming World works with university researchers and specialists in an active research programme to further knowledge of the causes and treatment of obesity.
• Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food OptimisingÒ, and the principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people. Slimming World integrates practical, up-to-date dietary advice with a highly developed support system.
• Slimming World Consultants receive specific training in dietary aspects and the role of physical activity in weight control. The highly developed training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a group environment, acknowledged by experts as being the most effective way to support long-term weight management.