Gainsborough Slimming World leader says medication is ‘not a magic fix’ as members achieve weight loss success
A Gainsborough weight loss group is proving that long-term slimming success doesn’t have to rely on jabs or pills, and is celebrating incredible member achievements along the way.
Led by consultant Lucy Lings, the Gold Award-winning Slimming World group at Gainsborough Methodist Church, has seen members lose over 300 stone since January 2025 alone through a supportive, food-first approach and powerful mindset coaching.
Lucy said: “Weight loss injections have certainly changed the conversation around slimming. But they’re not a magic fix and they’re not the only way.
“At my Gainsborough Slimming World group, members are achieving life-changing weight losses by learning to eat well, move more and think differently about food. It’s all about support, understanding, and real lifestyle change.”
Among the group’s local success stories are Vickie, who joined in March 2022 and reached her target weight in August 2024 after losing 10st 11.5lbs, and has proudly maintained it for a full year.
Vickie said: “I’m so proud of my weight loss, it’s something I never thought I’d actually achieve.
“I completely understand why some people consider weight loss injections, but I’m really glad I didn’t take that route.
“I’ve learned how to make changes that fit into my life for good, and that gives me real confidence that I won’t slip back into old habits.”
And Sandra, who joined in December 2024, has shed four stone, 3.5lbs so far.
She said: “I’ve completely changed the way I think about food. The support and expertise in group helped me understand why my past weight loss attempts didn’t work.
“Now I know my personal triggers, and I can spot the warning signs before things start to go off track.”
Lucy said: “Both Vickie and Sandra show what’s possible when you find an approach that fits into your life.
“We don’t rely on meal replacements or medications, we focus on helping people understand their triggers, build healthier habits, and feel proud of their progress. And because I’m also on my own weight loss journey, I understand just how emotional and complex it can feel.”
Slimming World’s programme combines a flexible eating plan - called Food Optimising - with support to build active habits through its Body Magic activity programme, and weekly group sessions that focus on food learning, mindset and behaviour change.
And while members are achieving incredible things without medication, Lucy is clear that anyone is welcome, including those who are using weight loss drugs.
Lucy said: “Our role is to offer wraparound support, whatever path someone is on, we won’t ever judge. In fact, the tools we offer, from learning how to build meals that nourish your body to understanding emotional eating, can support someone taking weight loss medication just as much as someone who isn’t.
“We’re here to help people make changes that last, and we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.”
Lucy’s Slimming World group meets every Thursday at 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm at Gainsborough Methodist Church, North Street.
Lucy said: “What happens inside those four walls is more than a weigh-in. It’s a room full of encouragement, kindness and motivation.
“Whether you’re walking through the door for the first time or coming back to try again, we’ll welcome you with open arms. No shame, no judgement, just support that works.
“If you’re thinking of starting, or restarting, your journey, we’d love you to be part of something really special.”