A determined mother from West Lothian has transformed her life by losing four stones without using weight-loss drugs and is now preparing to inspire others as a newly trained Slimming World Consultant. Claire Gibson, 40, struggled for years with fluctuating weight as she balanced the demands of everyday life. Though she had lost weight successfully before, the pounds always returned without ongoing support.
“I would always make excuses,” Claire admitted. “I’d tell myself I was too busy—moving house, caring for family, helping the kids settle in new schools. But really, I was just avoiding facing the scales.”
After nearly a year away, Claire returned to her Slimming World group in January 2025 with a fresh mindset and a readiness to embrace the support of weekly sessions. Despite feeling nervous, she was met with smiles and encouragement rather than judgment. Her consultant even congratulated her for coming back.
Claire followed Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan, which offers a flexible and generous approach to healthy eating. This helped her rediscover favorite foods without feeling hungry or deprived. “Before, I’d eat anything for convenience,” she said. “Now, I cook healthier meals that the whole family loves—like Spaghetti Bolognese, Slimming World Balti Chicken, and Hunters Chicken Risotto. We don’t cook separately anymore; we just adapt our favorites.”
Her children have also noticed the changes, with more vegetables appearing on their plates. Claire says the entire family has benefited, as the kids now often choose healthier options first.
The weekly group sessions provided Claire with crucial emotional support. She credits the group with helping her understand her mindset and work through personal barriers that had previously held her back. “The frustration I felt after regaining weight stopped me from moving forward,” she explained. “The group’s kindness and support changed everything.”
Claire also embraced Slimming World’s Body Magic program, which encourages members to increase physical activity at their own pace. “I used to dread two minutes of skipping at boot camp. Now I skip for 15 minutes and love it! For my 40th birthday, I even got a scooter so I could keep up with my daughters on the school run. I feel like a different person.”
Inspired by her own journey, Claire is now ready to help others by becoming a Slimming World Consultant. Stuart Malcolm, District Manager for Slimming World, praised her progress and determination. “Claire is a real inspiration. She wanted to lose weight and feel more confident, and she’s proof that with self-belief, determination, and the right support, anyone can achieve weight loss.”
Malcolm added that while weight-loss drugs might seem like a quick fix, without changes in diet and exercise, the weight often returns. “Slimming World members don’t need medication to lose weight and keep it off. But if anyone does use these drugs, we welcome them to the group to ensure they get the support needed for lifelong healthy changes.”
Claire’s goal is clear: to empower and support others on their own weight-loss journeys. “The number on the scales matters, but how I feel matters more,” she said. “I have more energy, confidence, and happiness. I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing it for my daughters, too.”
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