‘Top bloke’ Graeme praised for achieving his slimming goal

HEALTH: Fife man hailed by former England footballer after reaching semi-finals of UK weight-loss contest

A Fife man who lost more than nine and a half stones has scored big after meeting a footballing hero.

Graeme Kermath, 51, has been congratulated by former Chelsea, Manchester City and England player Wayne Bridge after reaching the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top male slimmers.

Graeme, who slimmed from 23st 11lb to 14st 2.5lb at the Methil Slimming World group, believes it can be hard for men to admit they need help to lose weight and that it is especially difficult for them to walk through the doors of a slimming club for the first time.

He said: “It took quite a lot for me to admit 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,” he added.

Last year’s ‘Machobesity Report’ by Slimming World revealed that while 95% of men want to lose weight, mainly for health reasons, they typically keep weight worries to themselves for more than six years.

Graeme added: “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.

“I did worry that I’d be the only bloke in the room. I wasn’t though.”

Wayne, who has 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 Graeme and I can’t believe his transformation.”

He added: “I think many people would be guilty of thinking that going to a slimming club isn’t very manly, so that makes it harder for men to take that first step.

“He’s definitely a top bloke in my book.”

I did worry that I’d be the only bloke in the room. I wasn’t though. GRAEME KERMATH

Top: Graeme Kermath, left, with former Chelsea and England footballer Wayne Bridge; and, above, Graeme before he slimmed down.