A biker is going full throttle with his new career as a Slimming World consultant after shedding the pounds and transforming his life.
Michael Cook is aiming to spread the word that joining a Slimming World group is for both men and women to think about the effect their weight may be having on their health.
Michael joined his Slimming World group in Ystrad Mynach 18 months ago and dropped from 145.6kg (22st 13lb) to 104.3kg (16st 6lb).
Michael has now trained as a consultant for Slimming World at its national training academy in Derbyshire. He is opening his very own group at St Thomas’ Church in Cefn Fforest.
The members of the group are getting ready to welcome Michael as their new consultant when he takes over on Thursday November 2.
According to the latest national statistic, around one-in-four adults in the UK are obese and it is estimated that by 2034, this will increase to one-in-three.
More than 60% of adults in Caerphilly County Borough are either overweight or obese.
Michael said: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I was at my biggest, I was miserable, lethargic, so unfit and unhealthy. I was type 2 diabetic too.
“I had heard of Slimming World, but genuinely thought it was a ‘ladies only’ thing. But since joining, I’ve never looked back.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I am now a lot smaller and relishing being a lot fitter. My diabetes is in remission and it’s great buying new clothes too.
“Now I must educate fellow men too, because there are a lot of men out there overweight and desperately need help. But still think it’s a ‘woman thing’. I guarantee you guys, you won’t regret it.
“There’s no judgement, everyone has the same goal, and that’s to shed the pounds. They need to get over that and come and join.
“When I joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamt I would end up helping other people to lose weight, but now I can’t wait to get started. After losing six-and-half 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 you are not alone. I couldn’t have lost weight without the weekly help and support of my group, and the understanding of my own consultant and group. I also made new friends along the way.
“I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support each and every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.”
Jo Creese, who runs Slimming World’s Ystrad Mynach group and manages Michael as a Team Developer, said: “Slimming World consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the help and happiness of others.
“With Michael’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.”
Michael’s Slimming World group will be held at Cefn Fforest St Thomas’ Church every Thursday at 9.30am starting on November 2. He can be contacted on 07960935024 for more information.
For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000. You can also follow Slimming World on Twitter at www.twitter.com/slimmingworld or become a Slimming World fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/slimmingworld.
Find your nearest Caerphilly County Borough Slimming World group.
Interested in becoming a Slimming World Consultant?
Call Joanne on 07530 353262 for more information