Getting in Shape with The Akeman Clinic

The Akeman Clinic is on a mission to make you feel healthier and be happier with your body, with no group weigh-ins in sight…

Interview, portraits and promotional film by Sarah Plater as part of the Mayor’s ‘#SEEBicester – Shop Enjoy Experience’ campaign.

“I’m a hugger. I’m touchy-feely, bubbly and skittish whereas Katy is calmer, more logical and less likely to hug you,” Kelly laughs. “When we speak to new clients on the phone we try to work out which of our very different personalities will be a better match for them.”

This individual approach is central to The Akeman Clinic’s success with helping clients lose weight and create healthier lifestyles. The two women get to know their clients and then produce a plan specific to their current health, weight goals and personal preferences.

The duo opened the Bicester Sheep Street clinic earlier this year, and have already seen client numbers triple in that time.

Longest-Running Meal Replacement Plan

Kelly tells me that Cambridge Weight Plan is the UK’s longest-running meal replacement provider, established over 35 years ago. She’s been working as an Independent Consultant for their meal replacement products for seven years. She built up her client base from home, then moved the business into her sister’s summer house in Ardley when it started to grow. After seven years, it was time to move again, with Kelly opening the Bicester clinic in February 2018.

Most of the clinic’s clients are on three Cambridge Weight Plan products a day, with a weekly cost of £52.50. Included in your purchase of these products is Kelly and Katy’s time and support – they’ll meet with you in person once per week, provide free-of-charge body scans and be your digital Ms Motivator via texts, emails and WhatsApp messages.

A Life-Changing Experience

Kelly knows from experience how effective the plan, products and personal support can be. She was a serial yo-yo dieter for years until she signed up to meet a Cambridge Weight Plan consultant. Over the next few months she lost four stone, and her life changed. Her fellow consultant, Katy, joined the clinic 18 months ago after losing five stone on the plan.

Kelly is a Bicester local. Her family moved around a lot while she was a child, before eventually settling in Bicester when she was nine years old. She’s been here ever since, and loves the community spirit of the town.

Before I left, Kelly also warned me not to worry if she ignores me next time I see her in town. She’s an identical twin, and her clients often get blank looks from her sister, Kim, when they stop to say hello. So if you bump into Kelly, make sure it really is her before you start sharing your weight loss story!

For more information about The Akeman Clinic, head over to their Facebook page, or click on this link to book a free consultation with Kelly or Katy. You can also pop into the clinic at 15a Sheep Street (between Santander and The Works) to find out more.

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Interview and portrait by Sarah Plater. Sarah Plater is a qualified professional portrait photographer and published freelance writer. She is the co-author of Foundation Portrait Photography and Mastering Portrait Photography and the writer/editor/publisher of Go To Sleep: Peaceful Thoughts for Anxious Minds. Find out more at sarahplater.com.

For more information about The Akeman Clinic, head over to their Facebook page, or click on this link to book a free consultation with Kelly or Katy.

This piece was created for the ‘#SEEBicester – Shop Enjoy Experience’ campaign led by new Mayor, Sean Gaul, to promote and support the town centre.