A busy Devon mum has undergone a remarkable weight loss transformation after giving birth and is now inspiring others to shed their excess weight in 2025.
Danni Squires, of Ilfracombe, lost two stones after joining a local Slimming World group and says she has gone from ‘feeling horrible’ in herself to ‘feeling fantastic’ after getting down to her lowest weight for many years.
Danni, a photographer, said: “Being part of a blended family with five children between us and number six on the way, I knew I wanted to join Slimming World to lose the weight I had gained as soon as our baby was born. I had lost weight with Slimming World before, and so had my husband Jamie, and he agreed to support me.
“We both knew that the plan worked; Jamie had been crowned Mr Sleek previously in our group and he too wanted to feel fitter and more comfortable in his clothes. The day I came home from hospital after giving birth, there was a Slimming World leaflet through my letterbox and that was it, decision made.”
Danni Squires on her wedding day before her weight loss
(Image: Submitted)
Danni joined a group where she and her newborn baby were made to feel really welcome and she was thrilled to lose 6.5lbs in her first week.
Danni recalled: “Debbie, my consultant, has been extremely helpful and encouraging. I always stay to IMAGE therapy, as I know without it, I might struggle.
“IMAGE stands for Individual Motivation And Group Experience and it is where there is always lots of advice given and plenty of ideas to help members stay on track. When I first joined, with six children to consider, I was concerned about the potential cost of eating healthily.
“I needn’t have worried as the tips I picked up in group helped me learn not only to make normal family meals but also to keep to my budget, which can be as little as £40 per week. Having access to the Family Affair App really helped me to encourage my children to get on board and now we always eat the same meals.
“Previously my family didn’t enjoy my cooking, especially after an incident with a chilli con carne where I mistakenly used the hottest powder! However, I have made lots of new dishes, some of our favourites being homemade scotch eggs, the Superbowl – Slimming World chips topped with bolognese, fried eggs and cheese – and breakfast egg and ham muffins.
Danni Squires on her wedding day before her weight loss
(Image: Submitted)
“I love the fact that no foods are banned and I can still enjoy my favourite treats. I couldn’t believe I lost all my baby weight within four weeks and bought a whole new wardrobe of clothes ready to go back to work when my baby was 11 weeks old.
“I’ve gone from feeling horrible in myself, with a whole wardrobe full of clothes that didn’t fit, to feeling fantastic at my lowest weight having lost two stone.”
Her weight loss journey has inspired Danni to start a new career as a consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation. She will be opening a new group in Ilfracombe on Saturday, January 4. It will be held at the Slade Vision Community Centre every Saturday at 9.30am.
The latest figures from Devon County Council reveal that almost 60 per cent of adults in Devon are overweight or obese.
Danni Squires after her weight loss
(Image: Submitted)
Danni said: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. It’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.
“As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.”
She added: “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too.
“Our Body Magic program takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of who have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car!”
Looking forward to running her own business, she said: “For me, becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option. With an already very busy schedule, I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible and could easily fit around my regular job as a photographer, which I love.”
To join Danni’s group either pop along on January 4, or contact Danni on 07980 373595. For more information about Slimming World, visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.