Slimming World: Leeds super trio lose incredible 19 stone and will now help others
Slimming World consultants Valerie Patterson, James Gaunt and Kathleen Walsh know exactly what it takes to lose weight - between them they’ve shed an incredible 19 stone.
Now the trio of Leeds super-slimmers are turning their own life-changing journeys into a brand-new mission to help others transform their health, confidence and wellbeing.
After training as Slimming World consultants, the they will support existing and new members to lose weight at groups across West Yorkshire.
James, aged 45, from Tingley, lost a staggering 12 stone and is launching sessions at Middleton Baptist Church every Saturday from July 4, 2026, at 7.30am and 9am.
At The Grove Centre in Horsforth, members will be welcoming Valerie Patterson, 64, from Moortown, who lost 4st 10lbs.
Valerie takes over the Friday morning group from July 3, 2026, with sessions at 9.30am and 11am.
And Kathleen, 63, from Rawdon, who lost 2st 3lbs, is opening a brand-new Slimming World group at Bramhope Methodist Church on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 7pm.
Today they spoke of their pride to be part of Slimming World - the UK and Ireland’s largest group-based weight loss organisation.
It starts with simple lifestyle changes, backed by support, encouragement and accountability, they say.
An it completely transformed their own lives.
First up, they say, is the realistic, sustainable changes to the way you shop, cook and eat. Simple swaps such as ditching oil for low-calorie cooking spray, grilling instead of frying, and filling up on everyday foods including pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, vegetables and lean meats helped them lose weight without feeling deprived.
They also learned to build more movement into everyday life - whether walking more, gardening, cleaning the car or simply becoming more active day to day.
But they say the biggest transformation was about mindset and behaviours.
Changing long-standing habits and behaviours took commitment, support and belief, until healthy choices became second nature and helped them become “Slim for Life”.
After completing training at Slimming World’s national academy in Derbyshire, they are now ready to help others.
James, a systems and compliance manager at Water Compliance Services, who also DJs in his spare time, says the support of his Slimming World group changed everything.
After dropping 12 stone himself, he hopes to help spin other people’s lives around too.
"Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone," he told us.
James added: " I couldn’t have lost 12 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, 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."
Valerie, an online shopper with Sainsbury’s and a retired business services manager, moved from Scotland to Leeds to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.
She said: “Before joining Slimming World, I’d tried so many ways to lose weight, but I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. 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.”
Kathleen, a school technician, added: “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 get started.
“After losing 2st 3lbs 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."
For more information about James’s group at Middleton Baptist Church call 07777 503651. For Kathleen’s Bramhope Methodist Church group call 07986 133825. And for Valerie’s group at The Grove Centre in Horsforth call 07539 772088.
If you would like to transform your life, with real food, real support, and real results look no further, find your nearest Slimming World group by visiting www.slimmingworld.co.uk and enter your postcode, or call or call 0344 897 8000.
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