Slimming World founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell dies aged 76 as tributes paid to 'guiding star'

Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE died surrounded by her family
-Credit:Slimming World


The founder of Slimming World has died, the company has confirmed. Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE died earlier today, Sunday, February 2, surrounded by her family in Mallorca.

Ms Miles-Bramwell, 76, was described by the company as a "guiding star and the beating heart and soul of Slimming World" after she founded it in 1969. Slimming World wrote on Instagram: "It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our beloved founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE passed away earlier today, surrounded by her family.

"As well as being our guiding star and the beating heart and soul of Slimming World, Margaret will be remembered for being a much loved mum, grandmother and great-grandmother. Since founding our precious organisation 55 years ago, she has loved, nurtured and protected it – along with each and every member, staff member and consultant who’s been a part of the Slimming World family.

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"Margaret steered her ship in the way she lived her life – with a generous spirit, passionate conviction, a wicked (and rebellious!) sense of humour and a fierce belief in doing the right thing. Her determination to help people shed the burden of excess weight without shame or guilt has seen Slimming World grow from a single group in 1969 to the global authority in weight management that it is today.

"She undoubtedly touched hearts and changed lives for millions of people – and for all of us who knew and loved her. She’ll continue to do so for many more years to come. Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family. We take comfort, as we’re sure they do, in the hope that Margaret is now reunited with her beloved Tony – sailing off into the sunset together."

In an obituary on the Slimming World website, the company posted: "Margaret was a loving and much-loved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and the proud owner of several successful businesses in Mallorca and the UK, including the UK's leading weight-management organisation Slimming World.

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"Since founding Slimming World 56 years ago, her determination to help people shed the burden of excess weight without shame or guilt has seen it grow from a single group in 1969 to the global authority in weight management that it is today. She leaves this world a healthier place. "

Lisa Salmon, managing director of Slimming World, said: "Margaret steered her ship in the way she lived her life – with a generous spirit, passionate conviction, a wicked (and rebellious) sense of humour and a fierce belief in doing the right thing. Our job now is to continue to keep her legacy alive by doing the very same thing.”

The company's obituary continued: "Margaret touched the hearts and changed the lives of millions of people, including all of Slimming World’s Consultants and staff who will feel her loss deeply. Right now, our thoughts are with Margaret’s family – her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We take comfort, as we’re sure they do, in the hope that Margaret is now reunited with her beloved husband Tony who passed away in 2021.

"Margaret has taken great care to ensure that plans are in place to keep the company safe and sound, knowing that she might not always be around to steer it, so that the business will continue to operate just as it always has – run by people who care passionately about changing lives"

People paid tribute to the founder in response to the Instagram post, with @laymichele__ commenting: "I used to love reading her comments in the magazine and always thought what an incredible person she was. Thanks to her, my life changed for the good. May she rest in peace."

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"OMG. This is so sad. RIP Margaret. Thank you for what you have done for all of us. Helping us to live the life we always wanted," wrote @fitz_sw_bitz.

@claregeddes22 said: "Sad news, thankful for Margaret and how her inspiration is helping me to turn my life around. My thoughts are with her family and all of the slimming world teams at the sad time x."