A Plymouth woman who survived a health crisis that shook her world is now helping others to shape their own futures after losing three and a half stone.
After years of battling her weight, she is using her own success to launch a new career dedicated to helping people achieve their weight loss goals.
Jo will be launching her brand-new Slimming World group in Devonport this January. The sessions will be held at The Hub at Foulston Park (Brickfields) every Thursday at 7:30pm, beginning Thursday, January 1.
For Jo, the weight gain was a gradual process. "Life just happened," Jo said. "Work, home, everything else... and I slowly put weight on without really noticing."
She originally joined Slimming World in 2017 before her wedding and lost weight successfully. However, she said her biggest mistake was stopping her attendance once the wedding had passed.
"Over time, the weight crept back on again," Jo explained. "I didn't even realise how much until I felt it."
The motivation to change returned following serious medical challenges. At 39, Jo suffered a stroke, and while that moment was significant, she admitted it did not immediately change her mindset. The true shift occurred two years ago when her husband became critically ill.
"He now lives with several ongoing health conditions," Jo said. "That really made me stop and think. I realised I didn't want to keep putting my health off. I wanted to look after myself properly, for both of us".
Upon rejoining Slimming World, Jo found that the "Food Optimising" plan provided a sense of normality. "What I love about Food Optimising is how normal it feels," she said. "It's proper food, real meals, and something you can stick to in everyday life. There's no guilt and no feeling like you're on a diet".
Jo and her husband now eat the same healthy, hearty meals at home. "We're big carb people," she said.
"Anything with potatoes or pasta, and that's fine with Food Optimising".
Her husband has also lost three and a half stone, and Jo noted that doing it together has helped them remain motivated.
Jo said the most significant change has been her mindset rather than her physical appearance.
"Letting go of the idea that you have to be perfect all the time has been huge," she explained. "Learning that one wobble doesn't mean you've failed. This time, I'm focused on consistency and long-term health rather than quick fixes, and that's been a game changer."
The weight loss has also improved Jo's confidence and energy levels. She said she is now happier to be in photos and more comfortable in herself. "My friends say I have a glow, I think that's the internal confidence glow," she added.
Before losing the weight, Jo said she felt tired and sluggish. "I wasn't prioritising my health in the way I should have been," Jo said. Since the transformation, she stated that she feels healthier and more aware of the importance of self-care.
Now, Jo has completed her training at the Slimming World national academy in Derbyshire to become a Slimming World consultant.
"When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed I'd end up helping other people to lose weight," she said. "But now I just can't wait to get started. After losing weight and completing my training, it's a privilege to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so I can give my members the support they need to get to their target."
Jo says that support is the most vital part of the journey. "It all starts with feeling that you're not alone," Jo said. "I couldn't have lost the weight 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 face, which is why I'll be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight."
Jo's group will include recipe sharing and celebrating successes to help members overcome challenges. She said that Slimming World felt different from her previous weight loss attempts where she felt restricted.
"I thought I was destined to struggle forever, but Slimming World was different," she said. "I never felt like I was on a diet. You can eat pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meats, you're never hungry and you don't feel like you're missing out."
The programme also includes support for physical activity, which Jo said is about building movement into a daily routine at an individual pace. "It's not about suddenly becoming a gym person," she said. "Everything counts, walking, gardening, washing the car. I love getting out for a stomp with my husband".
By becoming a consultant, Jo hopes to give back to the community. "I know what it's like to start, stop, lose weight, gain it back and feel stuck," she said. "I also know how powerful support can be when you're ready. If sharing my story helps even one person believe they can do it too, then it's worth it."
Jo remains confident about her future health. "I'm still on my journey, but I'm 100% confident I'll reach my end goal with Slimming World's Food Optimising. And now I get to help others do the same," she said.
Those interested in joining the group can attend the session on Thursday, January 1 or contact Jo on 07976 917768.