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

When Steve Blackburn joined his local Slimming World group and achieved his weight loss dream, he never imagined that one day he would train as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s leading slimming organisation.

Steve says: “My weight loss has completely changed my life. I feel so much healthier and I’m more active - something I could never have imagined before Slimming World.

“When I joined the group, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight, but now I just can’t wait to get started. 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, too.

"I was so nervous when I joined group that first time. My confidence was low and I was worried about going into a room full of people. I was relieved to see smiling faces, and was given such a warm welcome I felt comfortable straight away.

“I think most of us have tried to lose weight in the past, but you end up feeling deprived and hungry! When I came to Slimming World, it was different. I’ve never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of 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.”

Steve adds: “When I look back, even a year ago to now, I cannot believe how my life has changed. I really feel like I have my life back and I am in control of it.

“Everyone has their reasons for joining Slimming World - my reason was because I had just turned 40, I was overweight, a smoker and a drinker. I knew my health was taking a turn for the worse and if I did not make a change, I would be suffering serious health problems sooner rather than later.

“Slimming World has helped me to learn balance in my approach to eating. I can still have those takeaways I enjoyed at the weekend, but now they are healthy, and food-optimised, as I cook them myself. I never feel like I am missing out. I now enjoy the gym and swimming, and I don’t feel exhausted when I’ve been!

“It’s totally changed my outlook, and I always feel positive and look forward to things I do; and now of course, I am looking forward to helping people in their weight-loss journey, the same as my consultant and the members in my group helped and inspired me!”

Steve’s Slimming World group is held at The Bridge, Shute Road, Catterick Garrison every Saturday, at 8:30am and 10:30am. For more information, or to join Steve’s group, either pop along on Saturday, or call him on 07966 484708.