Simon Turner, from Worcester, decided to start his his health journey after concerns were raised over his high blood pressure and he became a borderline type 2 diabetic.
The 57-year-old was told that his excess weight was putting pressure on his heart, and wanting to spend more time with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren led him to change his life completely.
BEFORE: Simon before his weight loss journey. (Image: Simon Turner) He decided to join Nikki Poole’s Bromwich Road Slimming World group in St John’s and signed up for a food-optimising diet.
“I feel so much better in myself,” he said, after losing 5stone 3lbs in eight months. “My clothes fit better.
“My waist was 40 inches, I can now fit into 32-inch trousers and I’ve dropped from 3XL tops to a large.
“Obviously, the health benefits of losing weight are great.
Mr Turner before and after he decided to join Slimming World. (Image: Simon Turner)
“I’m not getting any younger and want to not only see my grandchildren grow up but spend as much time with my daughters and wife.”
Mr Turner joined Slimming World in February 2024, weighing 19st 8.5lbs.
“What I most love about food optimising is the huge choice of food available.
“Food that you can fill up on, whilst being able to use ‘syns’ associated with certain foods that I enjoy as treats.
“Following the plan is easy. It doesn’t feel like a diet, especially with the portion sizes that you can eat.”
Mr Turner said one of his tricks for losing weight was staying in a group as it helps to be around others on the same journey.
“Listening to our Slimming World consultant and other members who all share Slimming World recipes they’ve enjoyed and strategies that have worked for them,” he added.
“Since losing weight, I have had so much more energy.”
Mr Turner said his health has now significantly improved.