SINGER Mahalia Barnes is proving an inspiration to Ipswich women who want to lose weight.

Mahalia, who sang with her dad, Jimmy Barnes, and other family members in Ipswich on Wednesday night, checked in to talk to a group of more than 50 women at Ipswich Weight Watchers before the gig.

Weight Watchers members Julia Truscott and Joy Williams have both lost significant weight and they were thrilled to meet Mahalia, who has herself lost more than 20 kilos.

"I love coming to these meetings. I find it really inspiring," Mahalia said.

"The feedback I get back is that people are really inspired by me so it goes both ways.

"You need support and encouragement when you do something like this because you are changing habits and it is a lifestyle that takes work."

While healthy eating was the key, Mahalia said Weight Watchers was also "such a flexible program". The first week Mahalia started on Weight Watchers last year coincided with going out on tour with her band, The Soul Mates.

"I thought that would be a big test, but it still fitted in. I was eating in airports, on aeroplanes, in hotels and backstage at gigs," she said.

"Everyone has stressful lives and no time. We've all got kids and houses to clean. There is always an excuse if you want it, but this has taken away all those excuses."

Now Mahalia, the Weight Watchers ambassador, feels better and has more interaction with her daughter.

"I caught myself sitting on the bench in a park while my three-year-old daughter was running around," she said.

"I was not really getting up and interacting with her.

"I was sort of yelling at her to stay close because I was too lazy to chase after her.

"I felt like I was missing out on something and I wanted to do something about it.

"And I'm glad I did."