Joseph (25) sheds stones and is now ready to help others

A young Blantyre man has shed two stones in weight and now wants to help others change their lives.

Joseph Martin was feeling uncomfortable in his clothes and disliked that sluggish feeling of carrying too much weight.

Earlier this year, motivated by a friend, he went along to a Slimming World group having heard how successful they had been.

Feeling nervous, Joseph was blown away by how friendly, helpful and encouraging everyone was.

Now two stones lighter, Joseph is using his success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Joseph (28) joined his local Slimming World group in March and dropped from 12st 6lb to 10st 6lb and has been awarded Man of the Year 2016 at his local Slimming World group.

The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three.

Also, 61 per cent of Lanarkshire’s population is now overweight or obese and Joseph says his new role has never been more important. He said: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK.

“When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I can’t wait to get started.

“After losing two stones and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

“Support is really the most important thing.

“It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone.

“I couldn’t have lost two stones without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group.

“As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.

“Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a weight loss journey.

“That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be loads of support, encouragement and fun.

“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate.

“I never felt like I was on a diet.

“I couldn’t believe the choice of foods I could eat, rather than cutting out some of my favourite foods. I was delighted that I could still enjoy delicious curries, tasty pasta dishes, fish and chips and cooked breakfast.

“You are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation.

“I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without being hungry.”

Joseph’s Slimming World group will be held at Broomhouse Community Hall, 2 Baillieston Road, Mount Vernon, every Saturday at 10am from July 23.

Pictured left is Joseph before his weight loss feeling sluggish for carrying too much weight.

He is pictured right, with his Man of the Year award, feeling great after his weight loss and is ready to help others on their journey as he sets up his own Slimming World group later this month.