“Shoot for the moon this January!” – Sligo’s slimming expert says aiming high and getting support is the key to success
A LOCAL expert is urging people starting a weight loss programme this January to have faith in aiming for their ideal weight, after a study found that people who set ambitious targets lose almost twice as much weight in 12 months*.
Paul Glass, a Slimming World Consultant for the Sligo Town groups, is preparing for a busy January as many people vow to turn their New Year’s resolutions to make this the year that they achieve their dream weight. He says the latest research conducted by Slimming World shows that people in Sligo shouldn’t feel limited by past weight loss attempts and should instead aim high for weight they would love to be, and get the support they need to achieve it. The national study of 24,457 people with a BMI (body mass index) in the obese category looked at the impact of target setting, and found that the more ambitious the target, the more weight people lose – regardless of their starting weight.
In Sligo around 60% of people are overweight and, nationwide, millions of people are expected to set themselves the target of losing weight this January. Paul says his Slimming World groups are the best place to get motivational support along with care and camaraderie to learn to make simple, healthy changes to lose weight and keep it off. He says: “No dream is out of reach at Slimming World. Whether it’s to lose ten pounds or ten stone, fit into a size 12 dress or a suit you’ve grown out of, run around with the kids or run a 10k race – together, me and the members of the Sligo Town Slimming World groups can help to get you there!
“We never tell members what they should weigh, and so all new members chose their own target weight when they join. However much you’d love to lose, we know how much more motivating it is when you’re aiming for a weight you dream to be rather than a weight you’re told you should be or think is easily achievable – and now we have the research to prove it!
“I know what it’s like to struggle with your weight and, having lost 8st as a Slimming World member myself after joining in 2011, I also understand what a huge difference understanding how slimmers feel and offering the right kind of support can make to your chances of achieving your weight loss goals.
“It’s my dream to see my members achieve their dreams. In my group, members set targets, share recipes, challenges and solutions and celebrate success together, which is so important to a successful journey. It’s all about support, care, encouragement and fun – and I firmly believe that’s why we regularly see members achieve their weight loss dreams too. In group they learn that slimming down doesn’t have to mean giving up any of their favourite foods, and in fact they can fill up on healthy, hearty, delicious meals just by making small changes to the way they are cooked and prepared. Many also find they have so much more energy, and become much more active by starting small and finding something fun – whether it’s walking the kids to school, a dance class or washing the car – it all absolutely counts!”
Catherine O’Reilly, from Paul’s Thursday group, has lost 6st 1lbs to reach her Personal Achievement Target/since joining in May 2016, after joining the Sligo Town Slimming World group. She says: “When I walked through the doors at Slimming World I really didn’t think that my weight loss dreams could come true. When Paul asked me what I’d love to lose, I never imagined it would be possible. Then, after learning that I would able to lose weight enjoying normal everyday foods like fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, fish and lean meat, and I could eat as much as I wanted to fill up – without having to give up any of my favourite foods – I didn’t look back! Especially after I came back after my first week following the plan with a Xlbs weight loss.
“Since losing weight I have lots more energy meaning I’m so much more active too. I love walking, spinning going to gigs. I used to think getting fit was just about spending hours in the gym or running marathons – but thanks to Slimming World I know that’s not how it has to be. Just moving a little more than usual all counts!
“If anyone is thinking of joining Slimming World this January I’d just say ‘go for it’. Whatever you dream to lose, with Slimming World you can absolutely do it. I was nervous walking through those doors and had been worried I’d be the biggest person there, however the warm welcome I got from the Consultant and the group and the belief they showed in me was amazing. I instantly knew there was no need to be scared and that the people in the group really understood and cared. [Now, 3 months on, I still love going to group each week for top tips, motivation and support – and of course to catch up with my Slimming World buddies!
To join Paul’s Slimming World groups, which are held every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at various time in the Gillooly Hall or Sligo City Hotel, either pop along or give Paul a call on 087 437 6729a