WEIGHT loss specialists from Basingstoke have been recognised for their work in helping more than 450 individuals slim down at their local groups each week.

Their efforts have placed them in the top five per cent of Slimming World Groups across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Consultants of the Chineham and Kempshott Slimming World groups, Faith Howard and Becky Batty, received awards from the national slimming club.

Faith received ‘Gold and Gold again’ for her continued service since April 2004, while Becky, a recent consultant since October 2021, received 'Gold plus' status.

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Slimming World consultants at the awards (Image: Supplied) Such awards are given to Slimming World Consultants consistently maintaining more than100 group members for several months while providing an exceptional service ensuring members repeatedly return.

The awards place Faith and Becky among the most successful of Slimming World’s 4,000 consultants

Slimming World’s founder, Margaret Miles Bramwell OBE, presented the awards at the Slimming World Oscars on June 15 at the ICC in Birmingham.

This marked Faith’s first win since becoming a consultant and coincided with her 20th year in the role.

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Faith said: "I am delighted to have received the ‘Gold and Gold Again’ award. I absolutely love my job. I’m passionate about helping people to transform their lives by losing weight and seeing them succeed is reward enough, but being given this recognition for the whole group really is the icing on the cake.

"This award belongs to the Chineham group’s 350 members. They’re the ones who make our groups the success that they are, with their fabulous commitment, the wonderful support they give each other every week, and, above all, their impressive weight losses while following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan.

"They make the group a fun, buzzy place to be and I can safely say I always look forward to going to work. I truly believe I have the best job in the world. The Chineham group has really put healthy weight loss on the map in Basingstoke. Together, members have lost an amazing 453.7 stone which is 6,353 pounds this year.

"This is the average weight of 49 people combined! Obesity is at record levels everywhere and with 28.29 per cent of adults in Basingstoke and Dene being affected, many people here are suffering a range of weight-related health problems from diabetes to heart problems and feelings of low self-worth that impact on their working and personal lives every day.

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"It’s never been more important that people who struggle with their weight get the support to make the changes needed to lead healthier lives – both for themselves and their children, too."

Those interested in joining the Chineham group can attend sessions held every Thursday at 8am, 9.30am, 11am, 4pm, 5.30pm, or 7pm at Chineham Village Hall.

Alternatively, they can contact Faith directly on 07966933994.

Becky’s groups take place at Basingstoke Rugby Club on Mondays at 4pm, 5.30pm, and 7pm and at The Brookvale hall on Tuesdays.