Anthony Wood joined his local Slimming World group 7 years ago weighing 18 stone 8.5 lbs and in just 10 months lost an incredible 5 and a half stone. Weighing in at 13 stone 1.5lbs. This was life changing for Anthony in so many ways. Confidence, energy, health and even career.

Before his magnificent weight loss he says “I felt truly disgusted with my body. I was always big and was bullied through childhood and well into adult life. I just decided to accept that’s what I should look like. I would hide behind a smile and try and not let it upset me, but deep down I was so depressed.”

Anthony suffered from an embarrassing situation to only make matters worse.

“There I was at a theme park with my son. I was too big to get into the ride seat and was told to get off. That walk of shame was one of the worst feelings I have ever felt and even more so that my son was there to see it.”

Anthony Wood now feels incredible in his new slim healthy figure

placeholder image — Anthony Wood now feels incredible in his new slim healthy figure

Although being overweight was hard it didn’t stop Anthony from getting on with his life.

“In 2017 my partner Michelle and I decided that after being together for 15 years we wanted to get married. But the thought of looking so big and the struggle to feel good dawned on me and didn’t know what to do. I had tried and failed many diets in the past and just had no idea what to try next.”

Anthony found slimming world by chance!!!

“My sister was round my house one day and she was talking about wanting to lose some weight for a holiday. A friend of hers recommended slimming world but she didn’t want to attend alone. So out of interest I offered to go for moral support. In that moment I had no clue that decision would truly change my life.”

When Anthony, along with his sister walked into his first ever slimming world group it was the start of his amazing weight loss journey.

“I’m not going to lie. I felt sick. I didn’t like the idea of being weighed in front of people. All thoughts were going through my mind. I intended just to stay to help my sister and then leave. Then I was introduced to Linda Richards. She was so warm and friendly. She sat us down in the new member area and began to explain the magic of slimming world. All those thoughts and doubts just melted away.”

Anthony fell in love with food optimising

“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. To be able to still eat my favourite meals like a full English breakfast and a Chinese takeaway was such an amazing thing to me. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.”

Anthony got married, found a new lease on life and found a love for clothes shopping.

“It was such a lovely feeling knowing I could walk into almost any clothes shop without the fear of them not having my size XXL was always my clothes size so to now be looking for Mediums and slim size clothes was very new and exciting. I got married in July 2018 and it was one of the best days of my life.”

Now 3 years on Anthony now runs 3 groups across the Southsea and Milton area helping hundreds of people in the local community lose weight.

The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. 66% of the Portsmouth’s population is now overweight or obese, and Anthony says his new role has never been more important.

Anthony says: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. After losing over 5 and half st and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.”

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost 5 and half stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World groups, there is tons of support, encouragement and fun.

“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love running and I am always attending running events. I completed my first half marathon back in February and I have signed up to run my first marathon in October. As a Consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others - it’s going to be great fun!”

Like Anthony, Slimming World Consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves and groups are set up as micro businesses in the heart of local communities. There are currently around 4,000 Slimming World Consultants across the UK and Ireland running 15,000 groups. Consultants receive training in Slimming World’s healthy eating and physical activity programmes and learn how to use the power of group support to empower members to take control of their own weight loss journey. As self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, Consultants also learn how to build a successful community-based business. Anthony says he can’t wait for the new challenges running his own business will bring. “For me becoming a self-employed franchisee was a great option. I wanted a job that was well paid, flexible and something I could be proud of. I feel like I’ve got a brand new career and I can’t wait for my new groups to run now!

Andi Denyer Willis, who runs Slimming World’s Havant and Bedhampton groups and looks after the Portsmouth team as a Team Developer, says: “Slimming World Consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others. With Anthony’s experience of being a successful Slimming World member and his kind and warm personality and great sense of humour I just know that he’ll be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight.”

Anthony’s Slimming World group are held at St Margaret’s community church every Monday at 17:30 and 7pm, every Tuesday at 8am and 9.30am and every Thursday at St James Church Milton 4pm and 5.30pm. For more information or to join Anthony’s group either pop along or call him on 07838762693