Athenry woman named Weightwatcher Leader of the Year

By JACQUELINEâ€Ë†HOGGE MOTIVATION and willpower are often considered the most important factors when anyone aspires to reach a goal, but when it comes to overhauling the way we eat, leading by example can prove to be the most effective way of getting pepole on board. Marie Quinn from Athenry has been holding Weight Watchers classes throughout Galway for over 14 years and is living proof of the benefits of the programme, having lost three stone through its healthy eating and exercise plan. Earlier this year, Marie was awarded the national â€ËœWeight Watchers Leader of the Year' title, in recognition of her dedication to the wellbeing and success of her members. 'I joined Weight Watchers as a member in 1996 and by the following January I had reached my goal weight, through weekly weight loss of about two lbs, which is the only way to lose weight and keep it off,' she said. 'I had only intended to lose half a stone at the outset but I kept going until I reached a weight I was happy with and after that the class leader Mary Plunkett suggested I train to become a leader. 'To be honest it already felt like I was giving classes as people would stop me in the street or in the supermarket as they noticed my weight loss and they'd ask how I'd done it. 'A ten minute shop would take me an hour by the time I'd spoken to people, offering them tips and encouragement as well as sharing my own experience. 'I started out expecting to do classes on a part time basis, one a week and here I am almost 15 years later with classes in Tuam, Claregalway and Loughrea.' Marie was honoured with the national leader of the year title at a ceremony in Dublin in January, where she received a trophy and the acclaim of her colleagues from around the country. 'Members can nominate leaders, and the process also involves leaders from other parts of the country as well as the management of the company, so it was a massive honour for me to receive,' she said. 'Being a Weight Watchers leader doesn't feel like work to me. The energy I get from my members is just amazing, I come in through the door after class absolutely flying. 'Seeing people change and succeed is a wonderful experience. 'As well as that, I have made so many friends over the years both in the company and through the classes. I get great support from my dear friend, Mary Plunkett and the other girls in the Galway region, as well as Rita Fagan, Managing Director of Weight Watchers, who is a great inspiration to me. My family have also been fantastic, Eugene, my husband, and my children, Sinéad and Eoghan, as well as my mother, brothers and sisters. 'Winning the leader of the year prize was so unexpected and a fantastic feeling. 'When I arrived back home after winning I had balloons and banners waiting for me, and I've had great feedback from my members who are genuinely delighted for me. 'That's the kind of support that I have around me and that's why this is the longest I've ever been in any job.'