Slimming World founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell dies as 'guiding star' flooded with tributes

Slimming World founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell has died aged 76 on Sunday (February 2) morning in Mallorca.

Margaret was surrounded by friends and family after she had "touched the hearts and changed the lives of millions of people", the weight loss company said in a statement.

She founded Slimming World, which provides tailored food plans and weekly group sessions for weight management, in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in 1969.

The company pioneered the first NHS weight management referral scheme in 2000, allowing health professionals to refer overweight patients to Slimming World groups to manage their weight.

Taking to their official Instagram page to announce the news, the company shared: "It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our beloved founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE passed away earlier today, surrounded by her family.

"As well as being our guiding star and the beating heart and soul of Slimming World, Margaret will be remembered for being a much loved mum, grandmother and great-grandmother."

They continued: "Since founding our precious organisation 55 years ago, she has loved, nurtured and protected it – along with each and every member, staff member and Consultant who’s been a part of the Slimming World family. Margaret steered her ship in the way she lived her life – with a generous spirit, passionate conviction, a wicked (and rebellious!) sense of humour and a fierce belief in doing the right thing.

"Her determination to help people shed the burden of excess weight without shame or guilt has seen Slimming World grow from a single group in 1969 to the global authority in weight management that it is today. She undoubtedly touched hearts and changed lives for millions of people – and for all of us who