A SUPER slimmer has lost four and a half stone -and won a virtual slimming competition.

Andrew Davies has gone from 22st 3.5lbs to 17st 11.5lbs in seven months - and has continued to lose weight even during lockdown.

His weight loss celebrated by the group Slimming World - in the first virtual competition it has held in its 50-year history.

Members would usually vote for their group’s winner at a morning at their in-person Slimming World group – however this time, the nominations and celebrations were held online as part of the organisation’s new temporary virtual service.

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Mr Davies, aged 49, from Moreton in Marsh, said: “Deep down I’d been unhappy with my weight for some time, but it took me a long time to face up to it. And then when I did admit to myself that I wanted to lose weight I still didn’t want to ask for help.

“I’ve realised now though that far from being weak, asking for help takes strength of character and getting support to make changes has given me a sense of confidence that is benefitting every aspect of my life. It was nerve-wracking walking through those doors for the first time but I wasn’t the only man there and everyone was so supportive.”

Slimming World introduced a virtual service in March, after announcing it was temporarily suspending its local groups in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Andrew says the support and encouragement he’s continued to receive online has helped him stay on track with his weight loss.

He said: “I was sad to hear that my group had been suspended as I was worried about missing my routine of attending my weekly Slimming World group and nervous about holding on to the changes I’d made without it. I was delighted when I found out Slimming World was going virtual – now I really enjoy attending my virtual group, it’s full of that same group spirit and laughter, and all the usual advice.

He added: “It’s been a real lifeline in helping me to hang on to those healthy habits I’ve built over the last seven and a half months.”