A super slimmer from Baillieston has been named Baillieston’s Man of the Year 2020 after losing an incredible 8st 5lbs in the first-ever virtual competition Slimming World has held in its 50-year history.
Since joining his Slimming World group in March 2019, Thomas has gone from 22st 12.5lbs to 14st 7lbs proving that Slimming World works for men as well as women. Members would usually vote for their group’s winner at a special evening at their in-person group – however, this time around the nominations and celebrations were held online as part of the organisation’s new temporary virtual service.
Like many men, Thomas initially thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food. However, he decided to give it a try after being told if he needed an operation he would not be accepted.
Thomas was pleasantly surprised to find that the support provided by the group was practical and encouraging. 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, asking for help takes strength of character and getting support to make changes has given me a sense of confidence that is benefitting every aspect of my life.
Slimming World introduced its new temporary virtual service in March, after announcing it was temporarily suspending its local groups in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Thomas says the support and encouragement he’s continued to receive in his Slimming World virtual group has helped him stay on track with his weight loss. “I was sad to hear that my group had been suspended as I was worried about missing my routine of attending my weekly group and nervous about holding on to the changes I’d made without it. So I was delighted when I found out Slimming World was going virtual – now I enjoy attending my virtual group, it’s full of that same group spirit and laughter, and all the usual advice, like new recipe suggestions and ideas to boost our activity levels, that we’ve always received – only now from the comfort of my sofa! It’s been a real lifeline in helping me to hang on to those healthy habits I’ve built up over the last 14 months and now I feel certain that – with the support of my group – I can manage my weight whatever life throws at me.”
Ann Marie Nairn who runs the Baillieston Slimming World group says she is incredibly proud of Thomas. “He has done brilliantly and we’re all in awe of his transformation. And while so much has changed in the last few months his determination and motivation have remained the same – he’s a real inspiration to the group. I couldn’t be prouder of everything Thomas has achieved!”
The Baillieston Slimming World group is held every Wednesday at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. Anyone interested in joining the group can call Ann Marie on 07799 472489.