FORMER steel worker Phil Robinson is glad to be a shadow of his former self.
After enrolling in an NHS weight management programme, he has managed to shed six stone, and 14 inches from his waist size.
Mr Robinson, who lives in Coronation Road, Loftus, east Cleveland, went to his GP and asked for help to lose weight.
At a hefty 20 stone, he found the simple things in life increasingly difficult and suffered pain in his knee joints.
His GP referred him to the Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust community weight management programme.
Mr Robinson, who is in his early 50s, went to his first weight management group in May last year and has seen his weight reduce steadily, thanks to lifestyle changes such as eating more healthily - including more fruit and vegetables and smaller portions - and exercising more.
His overall health has improved and the pain in his knees has greatly reduced.
He joined a gym and the PCT-run Health Walks group, and now wants to train as a Health Walk leader.
He has tried other slimming groups in the past but he enjoys the informal atmosphere at the community weight management group.
He added: "I am determined to keep the weight off."
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