A WITHAM man who once thought slimming groups were "just for women" has lost a quarter of his bodyweight after signing up to one.
Darren Hoad, 49, tipped the scales at 21st 7lb at his portliest.
In a desperate bid to shed some pounds, he decided to join Witham Slimming World with wife Tina, who was already a member.
Although he had some preconceptions about slimming clubs, Darren joined in April last year weighing in at 18st 9lb stone.
Since then he has dropped 3st thanks to his ongoing hard work in and outside the club, to now weigh 15st 9lb.
He said: “Like most men I thought slimming clubs were for women and expected to be eating nothing but salad.
“But the minute I walked through the door I realised that nothing could have been further from the truth. I was made very welcome.
“There’s a real mix of people - men, and women of all ages, and we have a great time.
“Plus, with Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan no foods are banned.
“Instead, I’m enjoying healthier versions of my favourite meals like chilli con carne and spaghetti Bolognese and every week in group we share new recipes and handy tips.”
Tina now runs the group, which is based at Witham Football Club in Spa Road.
She says men tend to be more nervous when they join, but are some of the most successful when it comes to slimming.
She says because men tend to have more muscle mass than women it means men can often lose weight slightly faster as muscle uses up energy.
Tina also claims men tend to be extremely focused when they start on a healthy eating plan.
She is extremely proud of Darren’s success so far and said: “It’s great that we’re able to celebrate Darren’s success and, without a doubt he has improved his health.
“That’s so important because the latest obesity statistics from the Government show that there are more overweight and obese men in England than women.
“Sixty-five per cent of men are overweight or obese compared to 56 per cent of women.”
Slimming World Witham is held on Tuesdays at 7pm.
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