The incredible life of Slimming World's boss and the lives she transformed

Pictured is Margaret Miles-Bramwell, founder of Slimming World, which is based in Derbyshire
-Credit:Derby Telegraph


A weight-loss boss who lived her life with a "generous spirit" and "passionate conviction" has been remembered fondly following her death aged 76.

Margaret Miles-Bramwell, who was brought up in South Normanton, Derbys, and had a home in Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts, founded world-renowned weight loss brand Slimming World in a small church hall in Alfreton back in 1969 - but little did she know she was taking the first small steps in a remarkable journey that would span seven decades.

Her death comes just two weeks after she was recognised in the Top 100 Influential People 2025 awards, something for which she said she was "truly honoured". Slimming World is known for catering to men and women of all ages who struggle with their weight by organising hundreds of local groups across the UK.

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Back in November, the brand said it had 3,500 consultants across the UK and more than 700,000 members, showing the impact Margaret - who remained chairperson until her death - still had on people, 56 years after founding Slimming World. Speaking on January 16 after being named in Top 100's list, Margaret, who was raised in South Normanton, said: "I’m truly honoured to be recognised in this way.

"Having struggled with my own weight from a young age, I was aware of the lack of support available, and I was left feeling lectured to, judged and humiliated whenever I tried to seek help. I knew there had to be a better way to help people like me. I know how it feels to be burdened with your weight – not just the physical weight, but the burden of shame and guilt too.

"I built Slimming World not just to support people to lose weight without ever having to go hungry, but to be a place of compassion and empathy which empowers members and helps them grow in confidence and believe in themselves again."

Pictured is Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE
-Credit:Slimming World

Since 1969, Margaret has supported millions of people – and their families - to lose weight with a revolutionary and flexible eating plan and a highly-developed group support system to facilitate healthy changes in behaviour for long-term success, as well as a popular app. In 2009, she was awarded an OBE for both her services to slimmers across the country, as well as for the company's work for charity - having raised more than £2 million at the time.

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Margaret hoped her recognition on the list would enable her to reach more people with her message.

Derbyshire Live has spoken with dozens of slimmers in recent years whose lives have been changed as a result of Margaret's pioneering. One Spondon mum-of-two, Liz Chapman, said she was at "rock bottom" after experiencing the "worst few years of her life" before joining her local Slimming World group.

Pictured is Liz before (left) and after her weight loss
Tragedy spurred on Liz to embark on her own weight loss journey

She lost her father-in-law suddenly and her mum and dad were both diagnosed with cancer at the height of the pandemic. She said: "I'd had a tough day at work and I saw the banner and thought, 'Sure, why not?'

"In those difficult few years, I spent time with my amazing family and cared for them, all while working a full-time job, studying and being a mum." Liz shed more than five stone in less than a year, eventually becoming a consultant for her own group in Spondon.

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She added: "Seeing people achieve their weight loss goals really does make it the best job. I have made so many friends along the way, and I will look back on those difficult years now with a new mindset, knowing they made a stronger me. Even though I am a new consultant, I will still continue to attend my group. They are the most supportive, beautiful people in my life and I couldn’t have done it without them."

John Kirkham, who said he'd been unhappy with his weight for a long time, won a space in the final of Slimming World's 2024 Man of the Year competition after losing a life-changing 7 stone after joining his Allestree group. The 64-year-old said: "Deep down I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want or really know how to ask for help.

"I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive about joining a Slimming World group, but I soon started to recommend it to all my mates who wanted to lose weight too. If you told me a few years ago that I would be representing my local Slimming World group at the national finals of the Man of the Year competition, I wouldn’t have believed you – I still can’t really believe it."

John after his weight loss with former footballer Lee Sharpe
John after his weight loss with former footballer Lee Sharpe -Credit:Slimming World

John said that the support he found at his Slimming World group was key to his success - something that would never have been possible without Margaret's lasting impact. Slimming World confirmed the tragic news of her death on Sunday, February 3, prompting an outpouring of grief.

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Paul Lancaster, a business start-up and growth consultant, said: "Very sad. Margaret was a true pioneer in business and a real inspiration to millions. Over the past two years I have got to see first-hand what a wonderful business she created and what a hugely positive impact they have on people every week. A huge loss but her legacy lives on."

On user on Twitter, @Alexlarge75, said: "This is sad news. Although I'm struggling with my own journey, it's thanks to the amazing group and plan that I can lose. She was an amazing person and will be missed for helping to found something that is helping so many."

Another user, @Stuart_AT_Marsh, remarked: "Thoughts and prayers to all of her family - including the Slimming World family, of which I was a proud member for many years, and which I benefited from massively."

Another, @OUprettythings1, added: "So sorry to read this. An inspiration to so many, near and far, and your legacy will live on. Thoughts are with your family and friends at this sad time."