A West Lothian man who lost an incredible 14 stone says he has a new lease of life after seeing his cholesterol and blood pressure drop and his diabetes reversed.
Craig Anderson says he feels like a different man after losing half of his body weight having weighed in at 28 stone.
He said was unhappy with his weight and his health and finally decided to do something about it by joining wife Wendy at Slimming World.
He admitted to being nervous to attend the group at first but has since proved the slimming club’s approach works for men as well as women.
He said: “Deep down I’d been unhappy with my weight for some time but it took me a long time to face up to it.
“And then when I did admit to myself that I wanted to lose weight I still didn’t want to ask for help.
“I’ve realised now though that far from being weak, admitting that you need help takes strength of character and getting support to identify where I’m going wrong and to make changes has given me a sense of confidence that is benefitting every aspect of my life.
“It was nerve-wracking walking through those doors for the first time but I wasn’t the only man there and everyone was warm and welcoming because we’re all at the group for the same reason – to lose weight and feel good.
“It’s listening to others and talking about my own motivations and challenges that has, week by week, helped me to understand myself as a slimmer better and learn to plan, so I can make changes that I’m confident I can keep up for life.”
Since starting on his journey in 2018, Craig has been named Man of the Year, Mr Sleek, The Greatest Loser and won Couple of the Year with Wendy.
Dropping 50 per cent of his body weight has made him feel fitter and healthier while giving him more energy.
The weight loss has brought his blood pressure and cholesterol down to a healthy level and put his diabetes into remission.
Craig continued: “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 and I’ve since realised that I needed to do more than just move more.
“I started by walking more and leaving the car behind where I could. As I got fitter, I started to push myself more, even getting the bike out the garage, and challenged myself more and more, always striving to beat my PB times.
“I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight.”
He said he was initially put off my the idea of “diet food”, but added: “I love the variety of foods I can still enjoy such as steak and homemade chips, chicken curry or a roast dinner.
“The freedom of the plan means I never have to miss out and nothing is off-limits – I can still enjoy a pint of beer! I love that I don’t have to worry about weighing and measuring everything I eat or counting calories either.”
Nicola, who runs the Blackburn Slimming World group, says she’s incredibly proud of Craig and congratulated him on his success.
She said: “He has done brilliantly and we’re all in awe of his transformation.
“He’s achieved what he set out to do – to become healthier and happier. And while so much has changed over the last year, his determination and motivation has never faded – he’s a real inspiration to the whole group.
“I couldn’t be prouder of everything Craig’s achieved”.
The Blackburn Slimming Group is held every Tuesday at Blackburn Masonic Club at 9am, 5pm and 6.30pm. For more details call Nicola on 07500874127.
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