Walter’s only half the man he used to be
Super slimmer shed an amazing 11stones 3lbs
A Hamilton slimmer who weighed over 24 stones has shed almost half of his body weight.
Walter Watson says it can be hard for men to admit that they need help to lose weight and it’s especially difficult for them to walk through the doors of a slimming club class for the first time.
The 48-year-old from Burnbank is speaking after reaching the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top male slimmers.
He was one of just 38 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2017 competition after losing an impressive 11 stones 3lbs.
Walter weighed in at 24 stones 4½lbs and was finding that his weight was putting extreme pressure on his knees.
And Walter, who served with the Royal Navy for 22 years before moving jobs, told the Advertiser: “I work as a community warden in the Glasgow area and it requires a lot of walking around various streets.
“My knees were causing me lots of problems and I ended up with a desk job and could no longer carry out my old role.
“I was told by my physiotherapist that it was weight-related and if I didn’t lose the weight then I would need an operation.
“It took quite a lot for me to admit that I had a weight problem to begin with, so actually deciding to do something about it and join my local Slimming World group was another big step.
“Thankfully I came to the conclusion that my health and happiness was the most important thing and plucked up the courage to go along that first time.
“My only regret now is that I didn’t join Slimming World sooner.”
Walter continued: “I was a bit concerned I’d have to survive on a bit of salad!
“I couldn’t have been more wrong though. I eat just as much as before now, if not more.
“The beauty of Slimming World is that I can fill up on all of my favourite foods and lose weight without ever having to go hungry.
“Steak and chips, cooked breakfasts and curries are all still on the menu, I’ve just had to make some simple swaps like ditching the olive oil or butter in favour of low-calorie cooking spray and trimming the fat off of meat.
“I did worry that I’d be the only bloke in the room, but I wasn’t though.
“And, even if I ever was, it wouldn’t matter because everyone is there for the same reason and it’s such a supportive and friendly environment.
“All the hints, tips and recipes you pick up in group are really helpful too.
“I was a bit hesitant to tell people I was going to a slimming group at first, but once they noticed I was losing weight, the results spoke for themselves and I didn’t get any of the comments I expected.
“I have no problem singing Slimming World’s praises now. It’s even encouraged me to think about how active I am too, so I’ve taken up cycling, which I really enjoy.
“I have even returned to my local Nanbudo martial arts club.”
Walter got to meet Wayne Bridge, former Chelsea, Manchester City and England player, during the semi-finals of the Slimming World competition.
Wayne, who has now hung up his football boots and appeared on I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here!, was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition.
He said: “As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy – both mentally and physically.
“It was a pleasure to meet Walter and I can’t believe his transformation, he doesn’t look like the same bloke!
“I really have to take my hat off to him for recognising that he had a problem and then having the courage to do something about it.
“I think many people would be guilty of thinking that going to a slimming club isn’t very manly so that makes it even harder for men to take that first step.
“He’s definitely a top bloke in my book.”
Lynn Cannon, who runs the Hamilton group that Walter attends, says she is very proud of her super slimmer.
She said: “A lot of men think that slimming clubs are femaleonly zones, and Walter is living proof that this isn’t the case.
“In fact, there are now 60,000 men attending Slimming World groups, which goes to show that men need just as much support as women to slim down and improve their health.
“Slimming World works for everyone, so I hope Walter inspires lots of other men in Hamilton who’d like to lose weight to take that step and join our group at Hillhouse Parish Church Hall or call me on 01698 322670.”
Unfortunately, Walter was not the overall winner of the competition.
I was told by my physiotherapist that if I didn’t lose the weight then I would need an operation