Swimming teacher loses over five stone in nine months after struggling poolside
A Lincolnshire swimming teacher who once struggled to climb out of the pool has lost more than five stone in nine months after joining Slimming World – and has now gone on to support others as a consultant.
Karen Brine says weight loss became important not only because she wanted to feel more confident in herself, but because she was beginning to struggle physically in her role as a swimming teacher. Getting in and out of the pool had become increasingly difficult.
“I just wanted to be able to move comfortably and do my job properly,” she said.
After confiding in a friend about her struggles, Karen was given a copy of Slimming World Magazine and encouraged to find a local group. That recommendation proved to be a turning point.
Karen joined her nearest Slimming World group in December 2025 and made a commitment to attend weekly sessions, prioritising the time even when life became busy. She said those regular meetings gave her focused thinking time, helping her to plan meals and routines for the week ahead.
Over the next nine months, Karen lost 5st 2.5lb.
“I hadn’t realised how much having that one hour a week to focus on myself would matter,” she said. “It helped me stay consistent and make realistic plans that I could actually stick to.”
New to Slimming World at the time, Karen found the plan easy to follow and says cooking from scratch played a key role in her success. Rather than cutting out foods she enjoyed, she learned how to make changes that felt sustainable.
As her weight loss progressed, Karen noticed wider health benefits, including improved mobility and confidence. She continued her open water swimming and added yoga and Pilates into her routine, helping to build strength and flexibility.
Now lighter, fitter and more confident, Karen has taken the decision to become a Slimming World Consultant herself. She says she is passionate about helping others navigate an increasingly crowded and confusing weight loss market.
“With so much weight loss noise out there, people can feel overwhelmed,” she said. “Slimming World’s approach is focused on togetherness, community and shared experience – all of which are vital for lasting success.”
She added: “What makes Slimming World truly special is our belief in the power of people coming together. Lasting weight loss comes from giving people self-belief, practical tools and the thinking space each week to make plans for the days ahead and build healthy habits.”
Karen hopes her story will encourage others who may be struggling to take the first step.
“Needing support doesn’t mean you’ve failed,” she said. “For me, it was exactly what made the difference.”
Karen runs a Slimming World group on Friday mornings at Brant Road Social Club in Waddington.