A former Mansfield woman has been named one of the top 100 influential people in the UK by a prestigious annual awards.

Margaret Miles-Bramwell, the founder and chair of weight management organisation Slimming World, launched the business from her Mansfield kitchen table in 1969.

Now she has been honoured in the Top 100 Influential People 2025 list, which shines a spotlight on people who impact society and make the world a better place.

“I’m honoured to be recognised in this way,” said Margaret. “Having struggled with my own weight from a young age, I was aware of the lack of support available, and I was left feeling lectured to, judged, and humiliated whenever I tried to seek help. I knew there had to be a better way to help people like me.

“I know how it feels to be burdened with your weight – not just the physical weight, but the burden of shame and guilt too. I built Slimming World not just to support people to lose weight without ever having to go hungry, but to be a place of compassion and empathy that empowers members and helps them grow in confidence and believe in themselves again.”

Slimming World supports people – and their families thanks to the healthy habits members take home – to lose weight through a balanced and flexible eating plan, and a group support system.

Margaret said she hopes her recognition on the list will enable her to reach more people with her message that if they’re looking to lose weight, they don’t need to resort to weight loss injections.

“There’s so much in the news at the minute about these so-called miracle weight loss drugs,” she added.

“I can understand why some people, those desperate to lose weight, will want to find a quick fix. Medication isn’t the answer though.

“They may help people to lose weight in the short-term, but drugs won’t help a person change habits of a lifetime. They won’t help them embrace a healthy, balanced diet and they certainly won’t promote the importance of physical activity for long-term weight maintenance and lasting healthy habits.”

Margaret’s vision for Slimming World extended beyond weight loss. She also developed a business model that offers opportunities to people who have lost weight with Slimming World themselves, creating a network of thousands of small businesses in local communities run by trained consultants.

She said: “I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without our incredible members, who have not only committed to making healthy changes to their own and their family’s lives, but support Slimming World in our many charity endeavours, helping us to improve the lives of even more people.”

Margaret established SMILES, her charitable foundation, in 1997, which has so far raised £29m for worthy causes, and currently supports Cancer Research UK, the Irish Cancer Society, and Alzheimer’s Research UK. Margaret also continues to give substantial financial contributions to ground-breaking cancer immunotherapy research, a cause close to her heart.

The judging panel from the Top 100 Influential People 2025 said: “It is inspirational to read about Margaret’s journey and her achievements, showcasing resilience and a commitment to positive change. Margaret’s work in setting up and developing Slimming World is legendary.”