A Local man, Stuart Meek, 74 from Congleton has lost two stone and seven pounds in just 14 weeks with his local Slimming World group at Wellspring Church, Congleton run by Laura.

Stuart begins "My journey started many years ago when I unwittingly became a member of the 'old mans club'. Long hours driving with sandwiches, crisps and general junk food en-route meant an ever-expanding waistline. All I needed were the socks and sandals and I would be seen as a true brit, an image that just did not appeal to me personally.

"An element of 'kidology' crept in, opting for trousers with elasticated waist bands and a wide selection of loose-fitting joggers. Heading towards 15 stone something had to change but how? The change in mind-set came when I met a friend at the Theatre on evening, who told me that Cheshire East Council were offering free 12 week referrals to local Slimming World groups. That was all I needed to get started and I immediately enrolled with my daughter-in-law tagging along for support and a little healthy competition.

"I had attempted to diet numerous times during my 74 years like the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet and so on, but it always meant eating less, going hungry and missing out on all the foods that I enjoyed, so I'd end up quitting."

Stuart has struggled with weight for some time, but saw change when joining the local group.

He continued: "My first four weeks at Laura's Slimming World group was a real game-changer. I lost 3lb in my first week, and 1st lighter by week 4. At first the plan was a challenge, learning to understand Slimming World's unlimited free foods, carefully measured Healthy Extras and about syns too. Our consultant Laura was my inspiration, when she shared about her own weight loss journey, having lost 6st 11lb herself.

"She encouraged me to fully understand the food that I was eating and the real importance of utilising Speed Free Foods which are the lowest in calories, so that you don't ever feel hungry. If in doubt I used the Slimming World app which you get access too as part of your membership, where I scan the bar codes of products to help me quickly learn where they belong within the Food Optimising plan."

The meal plan doesn't restrict Stuart, who still enjoys eating with his family.

He added: "My wife, Lyn and I can eat the same meals together, enjoying so many of the fabulous Slimming World recipes shared in group like Chicken Tikka Curry and Mongolian Beef being two of my favourites to date. Before losing weight I'd have finished on a cream cake, or with multiple biscuits, yet now I choose fruit. I tended to ignore it before, but now it's become top of my list on the weekly shop, enjoying at least five portions a day and I'm loving it.

"At eight weeks I was two stone lighter, never going hungry, sleeping for 6-7 hours a night instead of the eight to nine hours I previously needed, and feeling full of energy. So much so that Body Magic, Slimming World's Unique activity programme that deals with behaviour change towards exercise just became a part of my day and I achieved my Gold level within weeks, as I had the energy to get going, and to keep it up."

Laura says: "Stuart has really embraced Slimming World's whole package of support from the very beginning, and his success is proof that if you really do it, it really works. Stuart always has inspiring tips and words of encouragement to share in group to help his fellow slimmer's each week, he's a real inspiration to so many of us.

"He's done incredibly well, and I'm so proud of him. I love how he has continually measured and shared his success with his peers to inspire and been in group to be inspired himself too. One group he told us how before losing weight, he tried on his Wife's belt around his waist to see where it would come too. It was 4 inches off being able to fasten, yet now after losing that very same belt he can comfortably fasten it!

"He's gone from a Size XL to a Medium, and lost 4 inches off his waist, going from a size 38" to a 34" trouser size. This is why group support is so vital, our research proves that members who stay to group get off to a better start, lose more weight, more quickly and are more likely to keep the weight off for longer too. Slimming World has over 50 years worth of experience in the psychology behind weight-loss, behaviour change as well as physical activity. We really do have the knowledge and experience to over-come even the biggest of hurdles, and together in group every week we empower each other to achieve what we often believe is impossible".

Stuart was having major problems with joint pain and tight muscles, so he went to the doctors for help. They put the issues down to his age, he claims, "which I will never accept albeit an element of truth. I started going down the stairs backwards to avoid the jarring on my knees and always dreaded the thought of getting out of bed in the morning not knowing what pain I would encounter with my first morning step."

Stuart has seen a dramatic improvement since losing weight.

He concluded: "My healthier diet is now adding to my ability to enjoy my family to the maximum and enjoy all the activities that they are involved in, opening up new opportunities and adventures. Now I've got a new lease of life, with the fitness and energy to run around with my three very young grandchildren. Next step cycling. So, if you see a wobbly old man racing through Congleton on his bike, give me a wave please."

Stuart's advice to anyone reading who is looking to lose weight and become healthier is: "If you're thinking of joining Slimming World, just do it and don't be put off by the cynics or those who say you are fine as you are (2.5 stone over-weight in my case) It's a life changer, and group enables you to learn the skills necessary to not only lose weight, but to keep it off for life. It's easy to kid yourself, yet Laura is there to help you bust slimming myths and ensure you've got the right information.

"Planning has been a huge part of my weight loss success, knowing what meals I am having throughout the week and shopping accordingly. Plan what you eat – eat what you plan and treat food shopping as an objective not an adventure. Get in, buy what's on your shopping list only and get out as quickly as possible rather than cruising the aisles and being tempted.

"Shout about your achievements and your target weight loss and look forward to fulfilling your own personal target. This will help you regularly focus on your goal. Those that really want to support you will help you and congratulate you along the way. At the end of the day there is one winner and that is you, being what you want to be."

Laura's groups meet in Congleton at Wellspring Church every Thursday evening at 5.30pm & 7pm as well as Friday at 9.30am.

Simply text, call or Whatsapp Laura on 07595 535816 for more information about Slimming World, The Cheshire East Referral Scheme, and money saving offers.