Super Slimmers from Westbury and Dilton Marsh have scooped the title of Men of the Year 2019 at the Slimming World Groups in Westbury after losing an incredible 12st 7lb between them, say Slimming World.
“Three winners from the Leigh Park Community Centre group, Steve Turner, Philip Bowen-Ashwin and William King, and two members from Fairfield Farm College group in Dilton Marsh, Stephen Brewer and Dave Storey, have all won the title of Man of the Year in their groups. Their great weight loss total proves that Slimming World works for men as well as women.
“Like many men, they thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food. However, they decided to give it a try for different reasons, but primarily for health benefits and to feel fitter and more energetic. After walking through the doors, our male members are pleasantly surprised to find that the support provided by the group is practical and encouraging. They also enjoy following Slimming World’s food optimising eating plan, which is based on the science of satiety and energy density, enabling men to enjoy generous portions of healthy food to satisfy their appetite, so no need to go hungry.”
Philip, who has been a target member at Juliet Morgan’s Monday night group at the Leigh Park Community Centre since April 2014 said, “Men can be unhappy with their weight deep down for some time before admitting it’s time to face up to it. And even then when admitting to themselves that they want to lose weight, they still don’t want to ask for help.
“I’ve realised now though that far from being weak, asking for help takes strength of character and getting support to make changes has given me a sense of confidence that is benefitting every aspect of my life. It was nerve-wracking walking through those doors for the first time, but I wasn’t the only man there and everyone was so supportive. Now I look forward to going to my Slimming World group. There is lots of banter and laughter and I get some really good ideas too, from new recipe suggestions to ideas to boost my activity levels.”
Slimming World continues, “Sometimes men are concerned about what their mates will think about them attending Slimming World but once they realise you can still have a beer, they start to take an interest and when they see you eating things like steak and homemade chips, chicken curry or a roast dinner, they always ask how it’s possible to eat like that and still lose weight. What really has them sitting up and paying attention though is when they see how well their mates are losing weight.
“Slimming World helps their members introduce more activity by breaking it down into chunks and by starting small, enabling members to build up their activity gradually.”
Steve recognises how much fitter he is after his 3st 2lb stone weight loss, enabling him to be more active than he was before and helping him to improve his golf game, so he can still beat players younger than him. Steve is much healthier since losing weight.
Juliet Morgan, who runs the Leigh Park Community Centre Slimming World group, says she is incredibly proud of her male members. “They have done brilliantly and we’re all amazed by their transformation. They are a real inspiration to the group. We know that many men assume slimming clubs won’t be right for them, but these men show that once they come through the doors, they do so well. I would advise anyone who would like to lose weight to find the courage to take that first step.”
The Leigh Park Community Centre Slimming World group is held every Monday at Leigh Park Community Centre at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining the group can pop along or for more information they can call Juliet on 07747 190279. The Fairfield Farm College, Dilton Marsh group is held every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm by Katherine on 07887 690800.
