Local man who lost weight is inspired to set up Leitrim Slimming World group

A local slimmer who transformed his life by losing 3 stone is using his success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too. 

John Stenson joined his local Slimming World group in Sligo town just 5 months ago and dropped from16 stone 4lb to 13 stone 4lb. 

John has now trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK and Ireland’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire. 

Now he is opening his own group in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim in the Irish Wheelchair Association building which is just across the road from Aldi. 

His new group starts on Saturday January 4th at 8.30am and will run every Saturday morning throughout the year. 

He says: “As a male I was apprehensive about joining Slimming World as I thought it was somewhere only females went but this was definitely not the case, it’s for both women and men, all ages and backgrounds. There is no judgement or humiliation in Slimming World, everyone is there for the same reason, to lose weight and Slimming World supports you 100% all the way on your weight-loss journey. 

“The health benefits I’ve experienced since joining Slimming World have been nothing short of remarkable. Before joining I used an inhaler from time to time for my Asthma, If I walked at a fast pace for 10 - 15 minutes I would be completely out of breathe, now I walk more than ever and can enjoy it without being breathless and my inhaler use is now a thing of the past. I also sleep much better at night and wake up feeling fresh in the mornings, my energy levels are also so much higher than before I joined Slimming World. 

“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 3 stone 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 their target. 

“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost 3 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 everyone 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 achieving a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun. 

“Before joining Slimming World, I’d tried so many different ways to lose weight, but 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’re never hungry and so you don’t feel like you’re missing out. 

“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magicphysical activity support programme helps members build activity into their daily routine at their own pace. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I really enjoy taking my 2 dogs, Bailey and Dolly for nice long walks around Lough Key Forest Park and Bluebell Woods,” John said. 

John’s Slimming World group will be held in the Irish Wheelchair Association building across the road from Aldi every Saturday at 8.30am from January 4th. For more information or to join John’s group either pop along on Saturday, or call or WhatsApp him on 089 703 2562.

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