Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Falling ill on holiday was a wake-up call... there was no quick fix to my weight issue
George slimmed down after health scare
Ian Bunting
A frightening climax to a holiday abroad ended up being one of the best things to ever happen to George Street.
The Coatbridge man had suffered with weight issues that affected his blood pressure for several years and his ill health came to a head during a trip abroad with his wife Carol.
For several days he endured breathing difficulties after “overindulging” on his holiday and when he returned home, George began researching weight-loss plans in an attempt to transform his life.
And George’s remarkable work over the next 18 months saw him lose four stones, reach his target weight and be crowned man of the year at his Slimming World group. He said: “For a number of years I had issues with my weight increasing and along the way I tried a few quick fixes which would work for a short time but I just put the weight back on.
“I was embarrassed by my weight and would mask it by making jokes about it.
“Even worse, I was suffering with high blood pressure and became increasingly inactive with an inability to do much exercise.
“My wife and I went on holiday with friends and they returned home a few days before us.
“Instead of enjoying this precious time, I suffered through over-indulgence from the previous days.
“I felt very unwell and was struggling for breath.
“I took this as a sign that something had to change and when I got back I began to look into various weight-loss plans.”
George felt he was best suited to the Slimming World plan as it offered him “a liberating approach to eating and exercise” and, more importantly, he knew that he had to be organised.
He added: “I asked my wife to join the group with me so I could just follow what she was doing.
“Carol refused, pointing out that unless I committed to the plan then it would just be another quick fix.
“My mate Kevin then spoke about joining the local Slimming World group in Townhead and I plucked up the courage and decided I definitely wanted to join.
“I remember walking into the hall that night feeling very nervous and embarrassed.
“But I was met by the consultant Clare [Bryce] and a few friendly members who quickly put me at ease with a warm welcome.
“My embarrassment soon diminished when sitting with the group as I realised that we were all there to achieve the same outcome of a healthier lifestyle.”
George’s Slimming World consultant Clare Bryce is delighted that he took that first important step and is proud of the fantastic progress he has made.
She said: “George attended the classes weekly, enjoyed sticking to the plan and saw his weight loss increase.
“Over a period of time he began body magic, was walking three miles on a daily basis and he has since joined the gym again.
“George also made a conscious decision to bin the clothes that no longer fitted him as in the past, with the quick fixes, he had always grown back into them.
“With Slimming World, George is happier and healthier and is a very worthy winner of our man of the year award.”
To register an interest in joining Clare’s Townhead group, contact 07786 435969.