Transforming Women's Lives It's The Best Job In The World!

Slimming World CEO Caryl Richards tells Victoria Young why she has made it her life’s work to help people be the best they can be.

- Victoria Young

From member to CEO – my Slimming World story

Like a lot of women, I first struggled with my weight in my early twenties, managing to lose a stone or two each time I gained it. Then when I was pregnant with my daughter Jane I put on four stone and felt dreadful. I lost some of the weight when Jane was born but still had a way to go. I knew all about healthy eating but didn’t particularly enjoy great healthy foods like veg, lean meat and salads! I’ve always had a sweet tooth and always loved a glass of wine!

I heard about Slimming World through the teachers at Jane’s nursery and joined my local group in Wittering, Cambridgeshire. I learned to change how I ate – to actually enjoy fresh veg and salad, and to cook fresh, healthy meals. I discovered I could still socialise and enjoy a glass of wine! Over a period of about six months, I’d lost the extra weight.

It was more than just weight loss though. By finding Slimming World, I started to find myself again. Before I had Jane, I’d left a job I loved with Cadbury Schweppes in London, and we’d moved to a new area. For a while I was unemployed, unhappy with my weight and had no friends in the area. In my Slimming World group, I found people who were understanding and compassionate – and lots of fun!