I lost four stone in a year after joining Slimming World in Wallsend

Dad-of-two Peter Burns joined a Wallsend Slimming World group in December 2023 after he decided to make a change to this weight whilst on holiday.

Since joining, the retired IT consultant, who is also a step-grandfather, has managed to lose four stone, dropping from a 38/40-inch waist down to a 32/24-inch waist.

After transforming his weight, Peter has explained how we felt when he first made the decision to join Slimming World and revealed the changes that he made to lose weight.

The 59-year-old said: “I knew I was overweight but it wasn’t until I went to Spain on holiday in December 2023 and I saw myself in photos that I realised just how big I was.

“Coincidentally when I got home from the holiday, I had received details of the North Tyneside Slimming World Referral Scheme so I applied and was offered a free 12 week introduction to Slimming World.

“I was very apprehensive about attending the first meeting but actually found it very enjoyable and inspiring.

“I really appreciate the support I get from the consultant and fellow group members; I find some of their stories a real inspiration.

“I think I was in denial of how much weight I had gained or was gaining, I would regularly eat things like fast-food, takeaways and chocolate.

“Now I eat a lot more homemade meals that are cooked from scratch with fresh vegetables. As a family, we regularly have things like homemade soup and more fresh fruit.

“We also don’t eat out as often and have cut right back on takeaways.”

Having proven that it can be done, Peter is now helping to inspire others in his family to go on their own weight loss journeys with Slimming World.

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He added: “There was nothing in particular that I couldn’t do before that I can do now but I realise now that a lot of everyday activities were a struggle, just bending over to put my socks on and fasten shoe laces for instance.

“I’m a keen DIYer and getting up and down off the floor and kneeling are now so much easier, I used to encounter knee and hip joint pain on occasion and also regular indigestion, I don’t have these issues now.

“I feel a lot healthier and more comfortable in my size, it’s great receiving compliments from people who recognise my weight loss.

“I think my weight loss has been an inspiration to others, including my brother, daughter-in-law and nephew who are all doing well with Slimming World.”

You can find out more about Slimming World by visiting: https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/.