A SLIMMING World consultant is celebrating 20 years in the job she loves with no intention to give it up.

Bernadette McParland, 56, from Balloch, joined Slimming World as a member 22 years ago and after becoming a consultant she hasn’t looked back.

Bernadette didn’t think she would be in the job as long as she has but is proud to be celebrating 20 years of helping people make changes in their lives.

She said: “I thought I would do the job for a couple of years but I didn’t realise how much I would love doing it.

“Slimming World only employ and train people to become consultants if they have been members as by being a member we can relate to slimmers with weight issues.”

She runs classes in Dumbarton and Helensburgh and has up to 450 members through her doors each week.

Bernadette added: “I have been privileged to have been part of so many wonderful slimmers weight loss journeys. I have had at least eight babies born through members losing weight and being able to get pregnant.

“They always stay with me throughout their pregnancy so that they can remain eating healthily.

“I have watched members feel happy with themselves by losing weight from half a stone up to 13 stones.”

When asked why she had stayed with Slimming World all these years, Bernadette told of how she enjoys helping people and believes in the company and what they do.

She said: “I believe in their Healthy Eating Plan 100 per cent, its safe, it’s healthy and it’s just normal eating.

“I love helping people to make changes in their lives with regards to their eating habits, being part of their journey with them and watching them make lifestyle changes to be the person they want to be.

“Weight loss gives people confidence that they forgot they had, makes them happy within themselves and in the best of health.”

And Bernadette has no intention of giving up doing what she loves any time soon.

Bernadette said that the most fulfilling and favourite part of her job was giving members their weight loss awards and their target awards and watching them “glow with happiness”.

She said: “There is nothing I would change about my job, watching a member change their life through losing weight is so fulfilling.

“I only wish more people who are struggling with a weight problem would come to Slimming World to discover how to lose weight healthily, get the support and motivation that they need and realise that they don’t have to do it alone.”

The classes take place in Dumbarton Brock Bowling Club on Mondays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and in Helensburgh Masonic Hall on Thursday mornings at 10am and noon.

To find out more contact Bernadette on 07840 016 941.