Super slimmer sheds ten stones
A Hamilton man who could barely fit behind the steering wheel of his car has lost a lifechanging ten stones.
Chris Houghton has scooped the title of his Slimming World group’s Man of the Year 2019.
The super slimmer joined last October, weighing 25st 1lbs, and has now dropped to 14st 12.5lbs.
Like many men, Chris thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food.
However, he decided to give it a try after his friend’s wife told him how many men attended the group, then held at Hamilton United Reformed Church. After walking through the doors, Chris was pleasantly surprised to find that the support was practical and encouraging.
He said: “Deep down I’d been unhappy with my weight for some time but it took me a long time to face up to it. And then when I did admit to myself that I wanted to lose weight, I still didn’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, especially as I struggled walking from the car, 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.
“I didn’t know what my mates would think about me attending Slimming World but they’ve been right behind it, and when they see me eating things like steak and homemade chips, or a roast dinner, they always ask how it’s possible to eat like that and still lose weight.
“What really had them sitting up and paying attention though was how well I was losing weight.”
Chris found he had more energy and continued: “I always thought that physical activity would be the best way to lose weight, but when I was at my heaviest I just wasn’t fit enough to do it, I could barely walk from the car to the group, let alone go to the gym.
“Slimming World helped me to break it down into chunks, and by starting small I’ve managed to build up my activity gradually. I started by walking more and leaving the car behind when I could, and as I got fitter I started to push myself more. Now you’ll regularly see me at the gym. I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight.
“Before Slimming World, I could barely fit behind the steering wheel of my car. It was a real struggle and just last week I have been advised by my consultant at the hospital, that I no longer have sleep apnoea, which I had suffered with for years.”
Anita Kerr, who runs the Barleycorn Slimming World group said of Chris: “He has done brilliantly and we’re all amazed by his transformation.
“He’s a real inspiration to the group.”