Remembering Margaret Miles-Bramwell: Founder of Slimming World Magazine Passes Away at 76

Margaret Miles-Bramwell, the founder of Slimming World, has passed away at the age of 76.

She started Slimming World in 1969 in a church hall in Alfreton, Derbyshire. Her idea was simple but powerful: to create a supportive community for people looking to lose weight. Over the years, the concept bloomed into a network of 10,000 groups across the UK, making Slimming World a well-known name in weight loss. The Slimming World magazine became a go-to resource for NHS GPs as well.

The company is headquartered in Somercotes, Derbyshire, where around 400 people work today. Reflecting on her journey in 2009, Margaret shared her vision: “I wanted to create a club that truly helped people achieve their own dreams, not just my dreams.”

Margaret died peacefully at her home in Mallorca, surrounded by her family. Slimming World remembered her as a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Lisa Salmon, the company’s managing director, honored her saying, “Margaret lived with a generous spirit and passionate conviction. It’s now our responsibility to uphold her legacy.”

Born in London in 1948 to an unmarried nurse, Margaret was adopted in Derbyshire. In her autobiography, she shared her struggles as a teenager, including the challenges she faced when she became pregnant.

In recognition of her contributions to public health, she received an OBE award in 2009. Beyond Slimming World, she also owned Pearl Yachts, a boat-building company, and Son Amar, an entertainment venue in Mallorca.

Margaret leaves behind her three children from her first marriage, Claire, Dominic, and Benjamin. Her second husband, Tony Whittaker, passed away in 2021.