A Renfrewshire slimmer who transformed his life by shifting over two stone is using his success to shape a whole new career helping other people achieve their weight loss dreams too.
Neil Watson joined his local Slimming World group in Renfrew seven months ago and dropped from 13 stone 7lbs to 11 stone 5lbs. Now he has trained as a consultant for the weight loss company at its national training academy in Derbyshire.
Neil, who first joined Slimming World to support his wife, has not only lost weight but improved his health in the process. He told the Paisley Daily Express: “I first walked through the Slimming World doors to support my wife in her weight loss.
“I had been feeling unhappy in my own weight and had recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. I had unsuccessfully tried to lose weight on my own so I decided to join with her.
“Unsure what I was walking into, I arrived and the consultant Heather and the rest of the group welcomed us in and were very non-judgemental which made us both feel at ease. With this help and support and generous food plan I have had my blood pressure medication reduced.”
Members at the Tuesday evening group in Johnstone are getting ready to welcome Neil as their new consultant when he takes over the group on January 7, 2025.
And Neil is eager to get started. He added: “ When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.
“After losing two stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to their target.
“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost over two stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group.
“As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.”
Neil utilises Slimming World’s eating plan and has swapped regular takeaways with fake-away meals such as homemade chicken curry. However, he and his wife still enjoy eating out and socialising.
And exercise has become easier for Neil since losing weight too. He wants to encourage members to stay active, adding: “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat.
“Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic physical activity support programme helps members build activity into their daily routine at their own pace. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car.
“I have been a member of a boxing club for around eight years and was really struggling to keep up with the younger boxers. Now that I have lost weight with Slimming World, I find it easier to keep up without being out of breath.”
Neil’s Slimming World group will be held at 5 Houstoun Square, Johnstone, at 6pm and 7.30pm from January 7. For more information, call Neil on 07580 119143.
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