A NEWPORT man who lost an impressive six stone is among the eight most successful male slimmers in the UK and Ireland

29-year-old Jack Purser dropped from 20st 4.5lbs, to 14st 4.5lbs through a Slimming World group in Ringland.

His success earned him a spot in the final of Slimming World’s 2022 Man of the Year competition.

Mr Purser, who has wrestled for many years and found his previous weight was impacting his abilities, said:

“Deep down I’d been unhappy with my weight for some time, but it took me a while to face up to it.

“I thought weight-loss groups like Slimming World were for women and expected them to be a bit cliquey, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

"Now I recommend it to all my friends who want to lose weight."

He added that he "still can't believe" how far he's come on his weight loss journey and praised the “warm and welcoming” group for improving his physical - and mental health.

South Wales Argus:

“I’ve gone from someone who suffered badly with my mental health to someone who is living life to the fullest," said Mr Purser.

“I’m fitter, I have more energy and I’ve improved my health.”

Before joining Slimming World he thought losing weight would be "controlling and restrictive" but he discovered he could still enjoy his favourite meals: pasta, curries, and Chinese food.

“The freedom of the plan means I never have to miss out and nothing is off limits," said Mr Purser.

"I love that I don’t have to worry about weighing and measuring everything I eat or counting calories either."

He added that he tries more new recipes than he used and that food optimising fits around his life - rather than his life fitting around food optimising.

Katie Thomas, who runs the Ringland Slimming World group, said:

“Jack’s determination and motivation has never faded – he’s a real inspiration to everyone.

“I hope he inspires other people in Newport to join our group and take the first step towards losing weight for good."

She added that men often lose more weight than women when they join Slimming World, with it improving their physical and mental health, boosting their energy and helping make them fitter.

Although Mr Purser was among eight finalists for Slimming World’s 2022 Man of the Year competition the title was awarded to Dave Winchester.

People wanting to join Katie Thomas’ Ringland morning group can call her on 01633 421974 for more information.