A SLIMMING World member wants more men to cut the weight after he lost six-and-a-half stone in a life-changing transformation.

Andrew Carpenter, 33, from Widnes plucked up the courage to attend St Bedes Slimming World group two years ago, and he hasn't looked back since.

He said: "I got to the point where I thought it was time to swallow my pride.

"I spent years telling myself I was comfortable in my own skin but looking back I was kidding myself.

"Weight loss has got a reputation of not being male orientated but it was nothing like I thought it would be.

"It was the best thing I have ever done."

Andrew lost six stone in just eight months and even though he has exceeded his target, he still attends the group at St Bede's Club in Appleton Village to help other members.

He said: "I went from a size 42 to a 30 waist and I have changed my wardrobe twice which is expensive but it's a nice problem to have!

"Slimming World is a safe space so people will talk to you and I think people see how far I've come and think, 'it can be done'.

"It's become less of a weight loss group for me and more like a family."

Andrew started his weight-loss journey weighing 19-and-a-half stone and was told during a health check that he was at a massive risk of developing diabetes.

Now weighing about 13 stone, Andrew is no longer at risk of diabetes and has found that his other health problems have improved as a result.

He wants other men to start losing weight and become happier and healthier.

He explained: "Swallow your pride- you'll probably find that you already know someone there at the meetings.

"It's a really friendly place and no one stands there and shames you.

"It's not an extreme diet, it's just changing how you eat.

"Some people will have too much pride but what's that compared with feeling amazing?"

St Bedes Slimming World group meets every Saturday at 7.45am, 9.30am and 11.30am.

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