“I’ve got a whole new lease of life!” Ant’s incredible over 7 stone weight loss journey
When Ant Blunden walked through the doors of St Michael and All Angels Church in Havant on Thursday 6th March 2025 to join Slimming World Consultant Sam Jones’ evening group, he never imagined just how much his life was about to change.
Just a few months later, Ant has achieved an incredible weight loss of near on 7½ stone and says Slimming World has completely transformed his life.
Ant admits there was a defining moment that finally pushed him to make the change.
“In November 2024, I was best man at a wedding and trying to find a suit or smart outfit was proving near impossible,” he explains. “I did find one, but looking back at the photos afterwards really hit home.”
But Ant says the real mastermind behind his Slimming World journey was his wife, Michelle.
“My wife played a blinder,” he laughs. “She told me she wasn’t happy with her weight and wanted to start Slimming World but didn’t want to go alone, so I joined her. About 10 months in she finally fessed up and admitted it was more for my benefit! Honestly, it’s among the best things she’s ever done for me and for us.”
One of the biggest surprises for Ant was discovering he didn’t have to give up the foods he loved.
“I like most food except fish, I hate fish!” he jokes. “I’ve never really been a fan of takeaways because I can cook much better myself anyway. My problem was portion sizes and how foods were cooked.”
Now, with Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan, Ant says the changes have been realistic and sustainable.
“In short, I eat the same stuff but cooking methods and portion control are key. The family enjoy a lot of my cooking too.”
And his favourite meals?
“Indian or Turkish food every time!”
Ant says the hardest part of his journey has been changing his mindset, especially around alcohol and social occasions.
“Cutting out the beers has been hard. I was just your average fat bloke who loved a beer well, did love a beer,” he says honestly. “BBQs just aren’t the same! But over time, adapting and changing habits, I’m winning.”
The changes in Ant’s everyday life have been huge and sometimes emotional.
“There are so many things I can do now that I couldn’t before,” he says. “I can buy clothes from high street shops, sit comfortably in booths at pubs or restaurants, and even put my socks on without holding my breath!”
Then, with his trademark humour, he adds:
“I can now fully see my private parts and my sex life has been rewound 20-plus years! The list goes on and on.”
Before losing weight, Ant was bordering on a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis something that deeply worried him.
“I’m now waiting to find out if I’ve actually reversed it, which I didn’t even know was possible,” he says.
Ant also credits Consultant Sam Jones for helping him believe in himself.
“Sam is amazing. She has this saying: ‘Nothing is impossible you just need an apostrophe and l’m possible.’ She genuinely makes you believe anything is achievable. I call her ‘The Governor!’”
After trying “many different diets and doctor-prescribed drugs”, Ant says Slimming World has been the only thing that truly helped him physically and mentally.
“Nothing worked. Slimming World hasn’t just helped my mindset it’s actually worked,” he says. “It’s no exaggeration to say I’ve got a whole new lease of life.”
And for anyone thinking about joining?
“Put on your adult pants, stop thinking about it and just do it. It will change your life but only if you want it to.”
Consultant Sam Jones says she couldn’t be prouder of Ant’s achievements.
“I’m so proud of Ant, his attitude and his approach,” says Sam. “Even though he doesn’t always stay to group, he knows I’m here to support him every step of the way.”
“And I do have a confession for Ant I always knew from the start that his lovely wife Michelle joined for him! What an amazing and selfless gift that was.”
If you’d like to find out more about Sam’s Slimming World groups, or your nearest local group, contact Sam on 07805 060777.