A DETERMINED slimmer is now ready to chase his dream career after losing almost three stone in just 11 weeks with Slimming World.
Tom Withington, 23, joined the Haughton Green group, run by Andrea Crisp, in March this year, weighing in at 23 stone 11.5lbs and with his confidence at rock bottom.
But now after major changes in his eating habits and lifestyle, he has already dropped two stone 10.5lbs and is ready to pursue his dream of being cabin crew for Emirates.
Tom explained: “I have been a member on and off for many years, going about 2015 when I was still at school.
“What made me want rejoin is seeing all my friends achieving their dreams. That inspired me to make the decision to look for a local group.
“When I walked through the door I was a bit nervous about how I would be judged going back again. My biggest challenge has been the thought of failing again.
“Andrea greeted me, offered me a brew and then sat down with me and went through the plan. I knew this time had to be different, something had to change.”
Tom loves Slimming World’s Food Optimising and how it allows him to still go out with friends and stay on plan.
He admitted: “I am not a good cook so I do indulge on lots of the Slimming World meals from Iceland as they are my easy go-to. I am learning more and more in group, like how to make budget friendly, easy meals.
“As Shift Manager at McDonalds, working shifts can be a real challenge. I love that Andrea has a Monday evening group as well as a Thursday so I am able to get to one each week.
“Whichever group I attend, the support, warmth and friendships from all the other members is amazing. You truly feel loved and cared for.
“At work with fast food on tap, the temptation in the past was quite overwhelming. This time around I am making better choices and even surprising myself, taking food I have prepared to work.
“I was so pleased to message Andrea and tell her that I’d had a ‘non scales victory’. Part of my job means when we take food out to cars we wear a hi-vis jacket. They haven’t fitted me for about four years! I tried one on and it fitted!
“I was so shocked that in such a short space of time, I had made such a difference to my body.
“I’m seeing small changes in day-to-day life, like being on the last belt hole and not sweating as much! I feel physically better, have more confidence and my anxiety levels are definitely improving.
“My dream is to be cabin crew for Emirates. After years of low confidence, I am ready to chase my dream career.”
Consultant Andrea said: “Tom had been a member once before at my group. I was thrilled to see him walk back through the door again.
“This time Tom seemed different. There was a determination in his voice and whole aura about him. Sitting down and going through the plan, I could see Tom having big lightbulb moments.
“He has had nominations in the Monday and Thursday evening groups for Man of the Year 2024, and won that title in the Thursday group.
“Tom has made many friends in both groups and no matter which group he does attend the other group misses his presence and asks after him.”
- Slimming World offers a generous weight loss plan with personalised support and caters for men and women of all ages. Find out more and see your local groups online: www.slimmingworld.co.uk