Jake stars in Slimming World Magazine’s special March/April 2026

Jake Hawkes-Gray from Harworth, Doncaster has lost 8st 2lbs, dropping from 21st 2lb to 12st 12.5lb since joining his local Slimming World group in August 2023. Now he’s excited to share his story in this special issue of Slimming World Magazine.

This March/April 2026 issue comes with a UK covermount, in collaboration with Slimming World’s healthy recipe box delivery service Slimming World Kitchen. UK readers will receive a free recipe mini-magazine, peri-peri spice blend sachet and a special offer for £10 off their first Slimming World Kitchen box inside the March/April 2026 issue, on sale in Slimming World groups now, or on newsstands from Thursday 12th February.

Jake says life was very different just a few years ago. He was unhappy with his size, always felt like the odd one out and his confidence was at rock bottom. Then in August He decided to make a change by joining his local Slimming World group, along with two of his close friends.

Jake says: “I’ve battled my weight for years but hit my heaviest after Covid, which coincided with a decline in my health and a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Being overweight affected so many aspects of my life. I struggled to socialise and realised I needed to do something. It was really impacting my health and confidence. My self-esteem was at an all-time low and daily life became increasingly difficult.”

Although he was nervous about joining their local Slimming World group at first, Jake says it was the best decision he has ever made. he says: “Everyone was so friendly – especially my Consultant Caroline. The group is so supportive and always there to pick you up and remind you how far you’ve come when you’ve had a tough week – it’s like I’ve got my own bunch of cheerleaders, who all understand what it’s like to lose weight.”

Jake, who has gone from a size XXXL to a M/S, says: “I used to dread going shopping for clothes as I’d struggle to find clothes that fit me and would only wear dark and baggy clothes. Now I love going shopping and I’ve even treated myself to a whole new – more colourful – wardrobe.

“I also used to hate having my photo taken before and would always hide away from the camera, but I felt so confident and proud of myself at the photoshoot. I loved every moment – I still can’t believe I’m in Slimming World Magazine!”

Jake followed Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan, which allows members to savour generous portions of healthy food like lean meat pasta rice potatoes fruit and vegetables while losing weight. With a couple a small swaps, like cooking with low-calorie cooking spray and yoghurt rather than oil and cream and loading his plate up with vegetables and lean protein, he still enjoys all his favourite meals.

Jake says: “Before joining, I was worried I’d have to give up my favourite foods and go hungry, because that’s what I’d always done when I tried to lose weight in the past, but the plan is so flexible that I can still enjoy all of my favourites, just cooked in a healthier way – and delicious big portions too.”

he adds: “I love trying out the new recipes from each issue of the magazine and picking up ideas and advice. Bit by bit I’ve got a whole new, healthy lifestyle. I’ve now started going to the gym daily. It’s incredible to think I might be able to inspire other readers in the same way the magazine has helped me. I’m so excited to pick up a copy!”

The March/April 2026 issue of Slimming World Magazine is extra-special, with a UK covermount in collaboration with healthy recipe box delivery service Slimming World Kitchen and a wealth of weight loss inspiration and advice. Included in this issue:

• Free Slimming World Kitchen recipe mini‑mag – 10 tasty real‑life‑friendly recipes
• Free peri‑peri spice blend sachet – perfect for quick, healthy meals
• £10 off your first Slimming World Kitchen box
• 95 recipes, mix‑and‑match meal plans, and food‑on‑a‑budget guides
• Eight powerful real‑life stories, including Jake’s
• Practical advice and strategies for weight loss success

Caroline Hawson, who runs the Treeton Slimming World group, says: “Looking after ourselves and our health has never been more important. And the changes Jake has made week after week has proven how making small and simple changes to your lifestyle can have a significant impact on your weight and health. I’m so excited he’s now featured in Slimming World Magazine.

“I hope Jake success will inspire other people in Rotherham who’d like to lose weight, improve their health and form new lifestyle habits for life to take the leap. There really is no better time than now!”

The Treeton group currently meets every Tuesday at 5:30pm & 7pm at Treeton Miners Welfare. To join call Caroline on 07857 979258

To read Jake’s full feature, pick up the March/April 2026 issue in Slimming World groups now for the discounted price of £2.95, or on newsstands from Thursday 12th February for the standard cover price of £4.99.