"We lost weight, but gained so much more from life!"

Tina Sant and Mark Masters-Walsh joined their local Slimming World groups to shed unwanted weight, but didn’t realise what they’d gain in the process!

Tina (now 2 stone 7lb stone lighter) and Mark (5 stone lighter) have now trained as Consultants for Slimming World, the UK and Ireland’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire. Tina has launched a brand new Friday morning group in Kirkby, and Mark has re-launched the Tuesday evening and Thursday morning groups in Crosby. The pair have become firm friends on training, and are ready to welcome members of their local communities into their warm and friendly groups.

Tina says: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to make a difference. After losing 2st 7lbs and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.”

Mark says “Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost 5 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.”

Reflecting on her journey, Tina says “After years of yo-yo dieting and trying every fad diet under the sun, losing and regaining the same two stone (plus a little extra each time), I finally reached a breaking point. I was tired of feeling stuck and frustrated. That’s when I decided to try Slimming World. It took me a few weeks to summon the courage to step into a group, but looking back, I wish I hadn’t waited so long. 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. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you’re never hungry and so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.”

Food Optimising – Slimming World’s famous healthy eating plan – has been so flexible that Tina’s whole family have been able to enjoy meals together, and everyone in the house has benefited. Tina adds “What struck me immediately was the control I was given. I got to choose my target weight. I got to decide what I wanted to eat. My favourite meals—like chicken fajitas and spaghetti Bolognese—could stay on the menu, just cooked differently. And yes, I could still enjoy my chocolate in the evening! The impact wasn’t just on me. My husband noticed the happiness and confidence that were returning to me as the weight steadily came off, and he wanted to feel the same. He started following the Slimming World plan too, and together we achieved what once felt impossible—he lost an incredible four stone, and we both reached our self-chosen target weights, now enjoying free lifetime membership and the support to keep the weight off for good.”

New Consultant Mark’s journey led to his very own happily ever after. “At 18 stone, I felt stuck in a cycle of emotional eating and self-doubt. Then, I discovered Slimming World—a supportive community that helped me take control of my health. With the encouragement of my group, I made small, sustainable changes around my lifestyle and mindset that led to incredible results. I lost 5 stone, reached my target weight, and reclaimed my life” says Mark. “But Slimming World didn’t just change my health—it changed my destiny. Through sharing my journey online, I connected with someone who not only understood my struggles but shared my vision for the future. Within days of meeting in person, we decided to marry. As we embraced married life, old habits crept back in, and so did the weight. Yet, Slimming World taught us that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to restart. Together, we rejoined Slimming World and recommitted to our health and happiness.”

Mark adds “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic physical activity support programme helps members build activity into their daily routine at their own pace. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love cycling wherever I go, no matter the weather!”

Tina’s final message to anyone thinking of losing weight in 2025 is “With over 55 years of experience in the psychology of slimming, and so many conflicting messages in the media about the best way to lose weight, we at Slimming World know the best and most effective way is to make healthy, sustainable changes to how we shop, cook, eat and move. But for many of us it goes deeper than that, we also need practical and emotional support to manage the highs and lows the journey can bring. That’s why in our weekly sessions, you’ll experience a jam-packed 40 minutes of inspiration, support, ideas and fun to help keep your motivation and commitment strong – especially in the times where you might be tempted to throw the towel in.”

“Group really is where the magic happens, and every member has different needs.” adds Mark, “It’s in group that we offer personally-tailored support to help our members embrace a new lifestyle, a whole new mindset and build healthy habits and strategies that last. So don’t go it alone, come along and join! This time next year, you’ll be glad you didn’t wait any longer.”

Mark’s Slimming World group will run on Tuesdays at 5pm and 6.30pm and Thursdays at 9.15am and 10.45am in St Helen’s RC Church, Crosby, L23 7TQ. For more information or to join simply pop along or contact Mark on 07788 583170.

Tina’s Slimming World group will run on Fridays at 7.30am and 9am in St Andrews Church Hall, Kirkby, L33 1ZF. For more information or to join simply pop along or contact Tina on 07735 631771.