A St Neots dad has described how his dramatic weight loss has changed his life for the better.
Danny Pearce says his confidence has grown substantially since losing a staggering 6st 5.5lb in 15 months.
The weight started to pile on just before the pandemic when he sadly lost both parents within a year of each other.
He was then furloughed when the lockdowns were introduced – and turned to alcohol most days because he was feeling low.
And Danny's diet involved snacking on slices of peanut butter on toast and lots of cheese on toast.
His wife Jo had been losing weight with Slimming World and he tried to follow the concept for himself at home first.
When he plucked up enough courage to go along to the group, he said everyone made him feel very welcome.
Danny said: “The support they have given me through my entire journey has made losing weight not just easier but actual fun.
“I would not have been able to do it without them.”
Research carried out by Slimming World has found that 57 per cent dieters have tried to lose weight ‘in secret’ over fears of being judged or failing.
Danny has said he can relate to those who fall among those statistics, and support from the group was an important part of his journey.
Dr Jacquie Lavin, a special advisor for Slimming World, said: “The power of the peer support members give one another is what sets Slimming World apart.
"Members become part of a community, which helps them to realise that they’re not alone in the challenges they face."
With Slimming World, Danny could still enjoy the meals enjoyed by his family, including spaghetti bolognaise packed with veg as well as steak and chips.
And he has even managed to give up drinking alcohol completely.
His weight loss has even given him the confidence to hit the gym for light exercise and start swimming.
He added: “I am awaiting surgery on my knee, but I have just recently discovered that because of the weight I have lost, it has taken so much pressure off my knee that whilst still waiting for the surgery I have been told I can return to work – for the first time in over three years!
“Without losing the weight not only would I not be able to return but I would be bed bound by now, and probably seeking comfort still from alcohol – I have grown so much in confidence and am now the father I want to be and regularly enjoy trips to the football with my boys.
“I always wanted to feel in control of my weight and now I finally am and doing it with Slimming World was much easier than doing it on my own.”
Visit the Slimming World website for details about your nearest group.
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