Margaret Miles-Bramwell who founded Slimming World has died surrounded by her family in Mallorca, it has been reported this afternoon
The “guiding star and beating heart” founder of Slimming World, which has helped millions of people lose weight, has died at the age of 76.
Margaret Miles-Bramwell died surrounded by her family in Mallorca. She founded Slimming World, which provides tailored food plans and weekly group sessions for weight management, in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in 1969.
Slimming World said in a statement on social media: “It is with deep sadness we share the news our beloved founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE passed away earlier today, surrounded by her family. As well as being our guiding star and the beating heart and soul of Slimming World, Margaret will be remembered for being a much loved mum, grandmother and great-grandmother.
“Since founding our precious organisation 55 years ago, she has loved, nurtured and protected it – along with each and every member, staff member and consultant who’s been a part of the Slimming World family. Margaret steered her ship in the way she lived her life – with a generous spirit, passionate conviction, a wicked (and rebellious!) sense of humour and a fierce belief in doing the right thing.
“Her determination to help people shed the burden of excess weight without shame or guilt has seen Slimming World grow from a single group in 1969 to the global authority in weight management it is today. She undoubtedly touched hearts and changed lives for millions of people – and for all of us who knew and loved her. She’ll continue to do so for many more years to come.
“Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family. We take comfort, as we’re sure they do, in the hope Margaret is now reunited with her beloved Tony – sailing off into the sunset together.”
Several people who have been helped by Slimming World reacted to the founder’s sad death. One person said: “Rest in peace in the knowledge you have been an inspiration to hundreds of people. Whether successful slimming members or plodders like me, I can honestly say the joy, friendship and unending encouragement from Slimming World members and the consultant is a result of the ethos formed by this incredible lady.”
Another added: “A true superhero and her work and dedication has changed so many lives, including mine. I feel grateful I was able to thank her for what she did for me.”
Another said: “Sending all my love to Margaret’s family and my Slimming World family. She did so much for so many and what an incredible legacy she created. Always so down to earth and she genuinely cared.”
Ms Miles-Bramwell was made an OBE by the then Prince Charles for her services to the health of the British public in 2009, the company’s 40th anniversary year. Speaking about her career after she received her gong, she said: “In the early days, in the sixties, there was some help around but it was the sort that used humiliation tactics.
“I really felt we needed to treat overweight people with respect and courtesy and as adults and not as children who needed a slap or something. That was really what inspired me.”
Ms Miles-Bramwell was also the owner of a theatre in Majorca and the British boat builder Pearl Yachts, and was named Business Woman of the Year at the National Business Women’s awards in 2023.
Slimming World managing director Lisa Salmon said: “Margaret steered her ship in the way she lived her life – with a generous spirit, passionate conviction, a wicked (and rebellious!) sense of humour 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.”
