Chesterfield man Ian has lost more than 10 stone after cutting down the booze

Ian Gascoyne, 39, has shed 10st 4lb since joining his local Slimming World group.

And with the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the country this year, he feels that if he hadn’t lost the weight he would have been at high risk of becoming seriously ill.

In February last year, Ian weighed 22 stone after a lifestyle of drink and junk food that left him out of breath just tying his shoelaces.

He recalled: “I felt physically and mentally broken, at rock bottom and I knew I had to make a change.

"With my 40th birthday approaching, I wanted to be the very best version of me.

I wouldn’t have said I drank in excess before I lost weight but now I realise I didn’t consider the calories I was having when downing pints of lager, or cider.

I’d tried all sorts to lose weight, shakes and fad diets but I’d smash it for two weeks then give up as I got bored.

“I’m lucky that I live near my family and my mum and sister could both see how unhappy I was.

"For once, I decided to listen to them and when they asked me yet again to join them at their Slimming World group, I surprised them by saying yes.

“I just thought, I’ve got nothing to lose and although I was scared and embarrassed, I knew I needed help.

"The group was so welcoming and I was surprised at how easy it was to adapt to Slimming World’s healthy eating plan.

“Over 12 months I lost 10 stone.

"Everyone was so supportive and proud of my progress and I’ve made good friends and met people I would never meet in any other walk of life.

“I can still enjoy a drink and maintain my weight as now I choose lighter beers or I’ll have a Bacardi or vodka and diet coke.

"I also make sure I have healthier snacks available for those post drinking munchies.

"I’ve gone from a 44-inch to a 32-inch waist.

The support I’ve received at the group makes me feel as if I have the tools and motivation for a better, healthier life.

"Anyone thinking about joining needs to stop thinking and just do it.”

To find your nearest Slimming World group, click here.