A TAMESIDE family who decided to make healthier changes together say their approach to food, exercise and family life has been transformed.
Helen Paisley restarted her Slimming World journey in April 2025, initially with the aim of improving her physical and mental health.
Her husband Andy later joined her, while their son Alexander also became part of the changes they were making at home.
Since then, Helen has lost four stone and reached her target in March 2026, while Andy has lost 2st 11.5lb.
The couple say one of the biggest changes has been the way they eat as a family.
Before joining, they would often have takeaways once or twice a week. Now, they plan their meals in advance and make their own versions of their favourite takeaway dishes at home.
Helen said: “In April 2025 I stepped through the doors to restart my Slimming World journey, I had been a member previously and knew it worked. I was nervous, even though I knew Jane [Sigley] and the group, so my son came with me for extra support. I didn’t really have a set goal this time [like a holiday or event]. I just wanted to improve my overall health both physically and mentally.”
She added: “As I started losing weight week after week, my husband decided to come with me in the aim of shedding a few pounds. Together it became easier, planning meals, cooking together and making our favourite meals slimming world friendly. Although our son is a fussy eater, we found ways of adapting our food so we all ate healthier meals together.”
‘Building healthy habits together’
The family now makes dishes including curry, salt and pepper chicken and chips, burgers, pizza-topped chicken and crispy chilli beef.
Helen said they still enjoy eating out or having a takeaway occasionally, but plan it into their week rather than relying on them regularly.
“Doing this as a family has definitely been a big thing because we are building healthy habits together, no separate meals or avoiding unhealthy options and we’re all feeling happy and healthy,” she said.
The Paisleys’ experience comes as new research looks at the potential knock-on effect of parents making changes to their own health.
Independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHCR) and carried out by the University of Bristol surveyed 396 Slimming World members with children aged five to 11.
It found that 48 per cent of parents reported improvements in what their child ate after joining the weight-loss programme, while 27 per cent said their child had become more physically active.
Among parents who were concerned about their child’s weight, 67 per cent said they felt more motivated to support them after addressing their own weight.
For the Paisley family, those changes have included becoming more active together.
Helen said: “Activity like going to the gym and playing padel has been key for Andy. As a family, we enjoy going out on walks together as well as swimming. We definitely need to keep building on this and keeping consistent.”
‘Support and vibe in group is amazing’
She also credits the weekly group meetings with helping her stay on track.
“The support and vibe in the group is amazing and you definitely leave each week with inspiration and a plan,” she said.
Andy has picked up 24 certificates during his journey, while Helen has received 15.
Jane Sigley, who runs Slimming World groups in the area, said she noticed the difference the family was making at home.
“When Helen walked through the door I could feel her determination,” she explained. “It was week after week of losses for her, she worked incredibly hard and within the first six weeks Helen achieved her one stone award!
“Once Andy joined, the determination in Helen never stopped – one-and-a-half stone a few weeks later and Andy was smashing his journey getting his stone award in just three weeks!
“This determination carried on. We heard in the group week after week the changes they were making as a family and how Alexander, who nine times out of 10 was in the group too, was trying new vegetables – something that never happened previously. It was brilliant to hear.
“They are so funny in the group – constantly giving ideas for lovely meals, especially weekend fakeaways, which they swapped their takeaway for! And the laughs we have is amazing, I look forward to the group every Saturday – I must say Andy has a double act with Dom at 8am and Helen is just amazing, helping our group on our pay. They are just a lovely family and play a huge part in our lovely group.”
The University of Bristol research’s lead researcher, Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield, said the NIHCR findings could have wider implications for how families are supported.
“This research strengthens the case for putting families at the heart of adult weight management policy and practice,” he said.
“Supporting parents doesn’t necessarily just improve outcomes for individuals – it may positively influence children’s everyday health behaviours such as their diets and activity levels. Weight management programmes that recognise and harness this family-wide benefit might potentially play an important role in creating healthier home environments and improving health outcomes for future generations.”
Jane says she sees similar changes in families attending her groups.
“I see the ripple effect of weight loss in my group every week,” she added. “Parents often join wanting to improve their own health, yet soon they’re telling me their children are enjoying healthier meals, the family is being more active together and everyone has more energy.”
The Paisleys attend the 8am Saturday group at Guide Bridge Theatre, with another session held at 9.30am.
Jane also runs groups in Audenshaw on Saturday mornings, Stalybridge on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, and Hadfield on Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings.
Helen said: “I have had so many questions from people asking how I have managed to lose my weight and in a world of medication, surgery and fad diets they seem shocked when I say slimming world. I love the flexibility of the plan, no restrictions and the food still tastes fab!”
Find your local Slimming World group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk