THEY say practise what you preach and Claire Urbanowicz is certainly doing that.
Having lost 8.5st since 2009, Ms Urbanowicz decided to use her weight-loss experience to inspire others.
She began a Slimming World franchise at the end of July and has seen the amount of members more than double, from 21 to 49.
Ms Urbanowicz, 40, said: "I wanted to do a job that was more rewarding. I'd lost all the weight with the Slimming World plan and I knew I could inspire other people to lose weight as well.
"My sister had a little boy and I didn't want to be the fat auntie huffing and puffing around after him in the park, so he was the kick up the backside I needed.
"I'd seen photographs of me at East Park in the little paddling pool and I thought, 'oh my god'.
"I wanted to be able to run around after him. I was 8.5st heavier than I am now and I wouldn't have been able to do that."
Ms Urbanowicz, of west Hull, now weighs 9st.
Although, to many, Ms Urbanowicz has already achieved wonders, she said the classes are also a push to keep on going.
She said: "I think the most difficult part has been to maintain it really, but I just thought launching my own class as well has given me the added kick up the backside to get on and get my target
"I'm still about 1st from target. I've lost almost 1.5st since July.
"If people have had a bad week, I understand what it is like and tell them anything is achievable, because if I can do it, anybody can do it."
Talking from first-hand experience, Ms Urbanowicz knows how difficult taking the first steps can be and hopes the group will support each other.
She said: "I want the group to help each other as well because that is what the Slimming World ethos is about.
"It's not just about the plan, it's about caring for people and the whole thing of supporting each other.
"Go to a group and you will be welcomed in a really friendly way and take it pound by pound or stone by stone.
"It doesn't matter how far you've got to go, it's just taking that first small step on the journey.
"The hardest thing you will ever do is walk through the doors and you realise anything really is achievable.
"I want to help people understand they can achieve anything."
Ms Urbanowicz holds a weekly class at Cottingham High School on Thursdays from 7pm. For more details, call 07724979240.
