The world of weight loss and wellness has lost a true pioneer. Margaret Miles-Bramwell, the founder of Slimming World, has passed away at the age of 76. Her incredible journey from a small meeting in a church hall in Alfreton, Derbyshire, to creating a nationwide network of 10,000 groups is nothing short of inspiring. She leaves behind a legacy that has transformed millions of lives and a company that continues to be a household name in the UK and beyond.
A Life Devoted to Helping Others
Born in 1948 in London, Margaret’s early years were not without challenges. She was born to an unmarried nurse and later adopted by a couple in South Normanton, Derbyshire. She faced personal struggles, including being shunned by her adoptive parents when she became pregnant as a teenager. But those hardships didn’t hold her back. Instead, they fueled her determination to help people achieve their dreams—a mission she carried with her for decades.
Margaret’s passion for supporting people in their weight loss journeys led her to found Slimming World in 1969. What started as a small weight loss meeting in a church hall soon grew into one of the UK’s largest slimming organizations. Today, Slimming World employs over 400 people at its headquarters in Somercotes, Derbyshire and continues to be a trusted weight loss program for countless individuals.
Building a Healthier Nation
Margaret understood the struggles of weight loss and wanted to create a safe, supportive environment where people could find success without shame. She saw that group therapy and community support were key to achieving long-term weight loss, and she made sure her program was ahead of its time.
In 2009, she reflected on her early vision, saying:
“There was a little bit of help around at the time for slimmers. But I suppose that sort of help, group therapy help, had only been around for a few years then. So my dream was to have a club that really did help people achieve what they wanted to do, achieve their dreams – not my dream, their dreams.”
Her work was recognized on a national scale when she was awarded an OBE in 2009 for her contributions to public health. Slimming World’s impact reached far beyond commercial success, even becoming a referral option for NHS GPs, proving that her mission was about real, lasting change.
A Businesswoman with Many Passions
Beyond Slimming World, Margaret had a keen eye for business. She owned Pearl Yachts, a boat-building company, and also ran Son Amar, a popular entertainment venue in Mallorca. Her success in multiple industries demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and determination to pursue her passions.
At the time of her passing, Margaret Miles-Bramwell’s net worth was estimated to be around £50 million, a testament to her business acumen and the lasting success of Slimming World.
A Personal Life of Love and Loss
Margaret was not only a trailblazer in business but also a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her three children, Claire, Dominic, and Benjamin, from her first marriage to Roy Miles. Her second husband, Tony Whittaker, passed away in 2021, leaving her to continue their shared dreams and ambitions on her own.
Her family, friends, and colleagues remember her as a strong-willed, kind-hearted, and passionate woman who always put others before herself. Her managing director, Lisa Salmon, paid a heartfelt tribute, saying:
“Margaret steered her ship in the way she lived her life – with a generous spirit, passionate conviction, a wicked (and rebellious!) sense of humor, and a fierce belief in doing the right thing. Our job now is to continue to keep her legacy alive by doing the very same thing.”
Her Last Days and Legacy
Margaret passed away on Sunday morning at her home in Mallorca, surrounded by her loved ones. Her impact will not be forgotten—from the millions who found confidence through Slimming World to the businesses and charities she supported throughout her life.
Even after her passing, her vision and work will continue to help people achieve their weight loss and wellness goals, ensuring that her dream of a healthier, happier world lives on.
Rest in peace, Margaret Miles-Bramwell. Your legacy is as strong, impactful, and inspiring as ever.
