Inspirational Loddon man loses half his body weight

Peter Curd before his weight loss (Image: Archant)

Peter Curd, 58, has won Slimming World's Mr Sleek competition at his group after going from 28st 2lb at his heaviest to his target weight of 13st 7lb.

His decision to join Slimming World came in January 2012 after family and friends expressed concerns after his annual health check up at work.

Peter, who is a materials controller in one of Sizewell B power station's store rooms said: 'I'd heard about Slimming World before from work colleagues so I knew it worked, everyone was so friendly I'm so glad I didn't let my nerves stop me from walking through the doors.

He began following the Food Optimising eating plan and immediately began losing weight.

'I used to think that losing weight meant eating nothing but salad, which definitely didn't appeal to me. Food Optimising isn't a diet though, it's a lifestyle change. I mainly still eat the same meals that I did beforehand, like curries, roast dinners and pasta dishes, but I make them in a more healthy way now like using low calorie cooking spray instead of oil or butter and I eat a lot more fruit and vegetables.

'I expected to feel hungry, but in my first week I couldn't believe how much I was eating and I still lost 7lbs. I haven't looked back since.'

Happy with his new weight Peter is able to wear clothes from any high street store and regularly walks and skips.

The newly-introduced Mr Sleek competition recognises male slimmers who have undergone a huge transformation since joining Slimming World and rediscovered their lust for life.

Peter's success has been overflowing at the Loddon group, also earning him the title Man of the Year.

He qualified and took part in the National finals held in Derbyshire where he was named one of the top 10 slimmers in the country.

Debbie Blyth-Clarke, who runs the Loddon group which Peter attends, said she hopes he will inspire other men in the town who want to lose weight.

'Blokes might think that coming to a slimming club is a bit 'girly'. I hope Peter will show that lots of different people come along to our groups and each and every one gets a warm and friendly welcome. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, young or old because ultimately we're all there for the same reason – to lose weight and to feel healthier and more confident and to be able to do more with our families and friends, and that's what is most important.'

The Loddon Slimming World group at Hobart High School takes place every Wednesday at 5.50pm and 7.30pm. Call Debbie on 01508 548433.