Margaret Miles-Bramwell, the beloved founder of Slimming World, has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a significant legacy and countless grieving admirers. According to Slimming World, she died on Sunday morning, February 2, 2025, at her home in Majorca, surrounded by her family.
Over the decades, Miles-Bramwell's contributions have touched millions, forever changing how people approach weight management. Starting her venture from a modest church hall in Alfreton, Derbyshire, she founded Slimming World back in 1969. What started as one weight loss group grew to become one of the largest organizations dedicated to healthy living, boasting over 3,500 consultants and employing 400 staff members at its headquarters.
Her innovative approach to weight loss focused on compassion and empowerment rather than humiliation, which was unfortunately common practice during her early career. After receiving her OBE, she expressed her vision clearly, stating, “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,” reflecting her lifelong commitment to dignity and support.
Following her death, Lisa Salmon, Managing Director of Slimming World, paid tribute to Miles-Bramwell, saying, “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.” Salmon emphasized the obligation of current Slimming World staff to honor and continue her legacy.
One of the significant milestones of her career came when Slimming World pioneered the first-ever NHS weight management referral scheme back in 2000. This initiative allowed health professionals to direct overweight patients to Slimming World groups for support, effectively bridging the gap between healthcare and personal wellness.
Under her guidance, the Slimming World diet—an ethical approach known as Food Optimising—has encouraged individuals to swap high-fat options for low-fat alternatives without feeling deprived. Participants benefited from listings of 'Syn Free Food', enabling them to eat freely within the guidelines of the program.
Her efforts and innovations did not go unnoticed; Miles-Bramwell was awarded several honors throughout her career, including recognition as one of the top 100 Influential People of 2025. She accepted this honor with the same humility she exhibited her entire life, remarking, “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 which empowers members and helps them grow in confidence and believe in themselves again.”
The emotional impact of her passing is felt throughout the Slimming World community. A statement from the House of Son Amar theatre paid tribute to Miles-Bramwell, declaring her to be “the most generous, passionate and hard-working person,” and expressed their commitment to keeping her spirit alive through every performance dedicated to her legacy.
Slimming World acknowledged her influence, stating, “Margaret touched the hearts and changed the lives of millions of people, including all of Slimming World’s Consultants and staff who will feel her loss deeply.” They extended condolences to her family, who are currently mourning her passing, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family takes solace knowing she has reunited with her beloved husband Tony, who passed away in 2021.
While the world grieves her loss, Miles-Bramwell’s vision and mission continue. By treating each person with respect and kindness, she fundamentally transformed the weight loss industry. Her methodology has inspired countless individuals and paved the way for future generations to approach healthy living and weight management with empathy and integrity. What she started back in 1969 not only altered the lives of people striving to shed pounds; it created communities of support and kindness.
Margaret Miles-Bramwell leaves behind not just the company she founded, but also the spirit of determination, respect, and compassion she infused throughout. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on as the organization continues to serve and support people from all walks of life, helping them achieve their weight loss goals and find confidence within themselves.