Research by Slimming World suggests that many men don’t like to ask for help to manage their weight as they worry it looks weak – yet men in Ross-on-Wye and Tudorville who had the strength to look past that, have lost an amazing 18 stone.

Like many men, they initially thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food. However, they decided to give it a try after feeling generally unfit and uncomfortable with themselves.

One of the group said, “It was nerve-wracking walking through those doors for the first time but I wasn’t the only man there and everyone was so supportive. Now I look forward to the sessions. 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. Once they realised I could still have a beer they started to take an interest and when they see me eating things like steak and homemade chips, chicken curry or a roast dinner they always ask how it’s possible to eat like that and still lose weight. But what really had them sitting up and paying attention was how well I was losing weight.”

As the weight came off, he found he had more energy and was eager to use it: “As a man 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.

“Slimming World helped me to break it down into chunks and by starting small I’ve managed to build up my activity gradually. I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight.”

Debra Maloney and Sue Holdroft, who run the Slimming World groups in Ross-on Wye and Tudorville say “we are both incredibly proud of our ‘Men of the Year”. They are a real inspiration to the group."

For more information read this week’s Ross Gazette