The founder of weight loss company Slimming World Margaret Miles-Bramwell has died aged 76.
Ms Miles-Bramwell died on Sunday morning surrounded by her family after she had “touched the hearts and changed the lives of millions of people”, the company said in a statement.
She founded Slimming World, which provides tailored food plans and weekly group sessions for weight management, in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in 1969.
The company pioneered the first NHS weight management referral scheme in 2000, allowing health professionals to refer overweight patients to Slimming World groups to manage their weight.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our beloved founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE passed away earlier today, surrounded by her family. https://t.co/2eHdDIK6zJ pic.twitter.com/Pl6QRl5z2U
— Slimming World (@SlimmingWorld) February 2, 2025
Ms Miles-Bramwell was made an OBE by Charles, then-prince of Wales, 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 royal honour, 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 that 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.”
The House of Son Amar theatre said on Facebook: “Margaret was loved by everyone that was lucky enough to have spent time with her and was the most generous, passionate and hard working person with a wicked sense of humour.
“Her presence will be felt from the centre of our theatre and we dedicate every future performance to continue her legacy.”
Sixties pop idol Jess Conrad said in a post on X that he was “devastated” by the death of Ms Miles-Bramwell, who had been “a dear friend for many years”, alongside a picture of them from 2022.
