Northamptonshire member named Slimming World Local Icon 2026

A member of Slimming World's Saturday group in Kettering is celebrating after being named Slimming World's Icons 2026.

Mark Ingram was voted for by the members of the group, after demonstrating each week how he made lasting changes and inspiring his fellow slimmers.

The Slimming World Icons competition celebrates members whose transformations showcase the physical and emotional benefits of weight loss while highlighting the confidence, self-belief and healthier habits they've gained along the way.

Mark Ingram, 54, decided to join Slimming World after immobility as well as inactivity due to his weight and health deterioration. Since then, he has dropped from a size 20 to 12/14.

He says: “I’d tried to lose weight countless times before, but I always felt like I was depriving myself and it never lasted. With Slimming World, everything changed. I can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals, eat out with family and friends and still stay on track. Instead of trying to fit my life around a diet, I’ve learned how to make healthier choices that work for me. That’s been the key for me and I’m 5 stone lighter as a result.”

Mark continues: “The support I’ve had from the group has been amazing. Having people who understand exactly what you’re going through, celebrate every success and lift you up when things feel hard has made all the difference. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without them.”

He says: “I never imagined I’d become someone who enjoys being active, but now it’s just what I do. The little changes really do add up over time. Being more active has helped me maintain my weight loss, boosted my confidence and given me so much more energy. For me, it was about finding something I enjoy and making it fit around my life.”

Mark followed Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising which focuses on healthy, everyday foods such as fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish, helping members lose weight without having to go hungry or give up the foods they love.

Teresa Seaton, who runs the Burton Latimer and Kettering Slimming World groups, says: "I'm absolutely delighted for Mark. Watching his transformations has been incredible, not just in terms of weight loss, but in confidence, self-belief and overall wellbeing too. He always has shown extraordinary determination and commitment, and it's wonderful to see him recognized as Slimming World Icons 2026 for his group.”

Teresa continues: “He fully embrace the support available in our group and is always there to encourage and inspire fellow members. At Slimming World we know that losing weight is about so much more than the number on the scales. It's about gaining confidence, improving health and living life to the fullest, and he is fantastic examples of that. Everyone in our group is incredibly proud of him."

Following this achievement, he is now in the running for the National Slimming World Icon 2026 titles. The overall winners, selected from more than 12,000 groups across the UK and Ireland, will each receive £3,000/€3,750 and will be announced in January 2027.

JOIN TERESA'S AWARD-WINNING SLIMMING WORLD GROUPS

BURTON LATIMER

Burton Latimer Band Club
Every Thursday — 7.45am and 9.45am

KETTERING

St Andrews Church, NN16 8QA
Every Saturday — 7am, 8.30am and 10am

For more information, contact Teresa Seaton on 07447 918855.

Slimming World with Teresa – Burton Latimer & Kettering