Men encouraged not to be shy about wanting to lose weight

By Barrie Hudson - 23 December 2021

Clubs & ActivitiesFitnessCommunity
  • Michael  Da Cova from Redhouse as he was, left, and as he is

    Michael Da Cova from Redhouse as he was, left, and as he is

A slimming consultant who helps just over 150 people in North Swindon to lose weight each week says men shouldn’t be shy about joining a slimming group.

Heather, who runs the Taw Hill PM and Redhouse AM Slimming World groups, has been reflecting since Men’s Health Week in June, which was focusing on obesity and the dangers of carrying excess weight around the waist.

The latest data from NHS Digital shows that 68 percent of men are overweight or obese compared to 58 percent of women. Slimming World and the Men’s Health Forum are calling for men to get support to lose weight.

Heather said: “Weight problems are common among both men and women, but figures show that men typically keep weight worries to themselves for as long six years, as many just don’t like to ask for help.

“The good news, though, is that more and more men are becoming open to the idea of getting support and there are now more than 60,000 men using Slimming World groups around the country – some of them are in my groups!"

Michael DaCova from Redhouse has lost 7st with the group in just two years, through the covid pandemic, and dropped several clothes.

He said: “Joining Slimming World has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. Before, I thought slimming groups were just for women and not my cup of tea at all – but after trying Slimming World online, I felt I wanted to find out more about face to face groups. With support from my family, I decided I had nothing to lose by giving it a try.

“I was pretty nervous on my first morning, but from the moment I walked into the group everyone made me feel really welcome. There were other guys there too which helped put me at ease. Now those strangers have become a whole set of new mates, willing me on to do well each week.

"We have a good laugh in group, as well as share challenges, our plans for overcoming them, ideas for getting fit and active and plenty of recipes."

Anybody who would like to lose weight and join Slimming World is welcome at the Redhouse group, which meets every Friday at 9am and 10.30am at the Community Center.

Further information can be obtained by visting www.slimmingworld.co.uk/nearest-group-search or calling Heather on 07816 860840.

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ