Wattie and family shed 8½ stone with Slimming World

Wattie Dowling, a semi-retired machine driver, knew it was time for a change. As a father of nine and a grandfather to 22, his health was becoming a growing concern. "I was constantly tired and had no energy; if I sat down, I’d be asleep in five minutes.

"I had trouble stooping down and getting in and out of machines."

Knowing he had to take action, Wattie joined Slimming World Mullingar with his wife, Celia, one cold January evening.

Walking into their first session, Wattie "felt really nervous and anxious", he said, "but our consultant, John (Banjo) Quinn, gave me so much reassurance and support.

"My biggest fear was – would I be hungry, and could I stick to the plan?"

His fear was quickly dispelled when Wattie discovered Slimming World’s generous and flexible eating plan. Designed to allow members to lose weight without experiencing hunger or deprivation, the programme focuses on balanced eating habits that are sustainable for life.

"This isn’t a diet; it’s a way of eating and living that works for you, your family, and your lifestyle," Wattie says.

Wattie embraced the plan, swapping high-calorie foods like sweets and biscuits for satisfying, healthy options like porridge, eggs, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

"I love that I can eat real food," he says.

His consultant, John, said: "That’s the beauty of our eating plan – losing real weight by eating real food. By making small changes to how they shop, cook, and eat, our members see amazing results."

Support

One of Wattie’s favourite parts of Slimming World is the support he found in the group. Through weekly IMAGE Therapy sessions, members come together to share recipes, tips, and encouragement. "It’s the trust and community spirit that sets these groups apart," he says.

Wattie has lost six stone, improved his energy levels, and embraced regular exercise – something that once felt impossible.

Celia said: "He couldn’t walk 100 metres without having to sit on a wall and rest."

Now, Wattie walks 5km regularly and feels fantastic.

Celia has also achieved her dream weight through Slimming World, and she’s proud of Wattie’s progress. "The best thing about him losing 6 stone is that he no longer snores at night!"

The Slimming World activity programme played a vital role for Wattie; it helped him to build an active lifestyle at his own pace.

It encourages members to find activities they enjoy, making it easier to stick to new habits long-term.

Family transformation

Slimming World has become a family affair for the Dowlings. Wattie’s son Brian, a crane driver, and his fiancée Shannon joined the programme as they prepare for their wedding in summer 2025. Shannon has already lost a stone and a half and is just 2lbs away from her target weight, while Brian has shed a stone.

For Wattie, the journey has been about more than weight loss – it’s been about regaining energy, confidence, and quality of life. Reflecting on his progress, he encourages others:. "Slimming World doesn’t just change your weight – it changes your life," he says.