One hundred and twenty-two stones, or if you prefer it another way, about 776 bags of sugar! That’s how much a Keswick slimming group lost last year.
And members Jessica Gardner and Andrew Johnson have lost more than 10 stones between them.
In September 2020, Andrew, aged 59, of Wigton, tipped the scales at 21 stones but is now down to 14 stones 10lb, losing over six stones in 27 months.
Mum-of-two Jessica Gardner, from Keswick, is a mere 2lb off her target weight of 10 stones 8lb, a far cry from last August when she was 14 stone 8lb.
Jessica, who joined in February last year, has tried diets in the past but said they were restrictive and left her hungry.
The 31-year-old said: “It’s done wonders for my confidence. Never in a million years did I believe a year on I’d be only 2lb away from losing my four stone target! Before starting Slimming World I had no knowledge of nutrition. I always believed that Slimming World meals would be too time-consuming for a busy mum like myself, but after becoming a member I realised this certainly wasn’t the case.
“I picked up lots of useful tips and gained a better knowledge of nutrition which has helped me implement better choices into day-to-day eating habits. Slimming World works because I’ve lost four stone without feeling like I’m too restricted.
Praising the group and Sharon, Jessica said she would be “forever grateful” for helping her achieve what she felt was “impossible”.
Sharon Johnson, who has led Keswick’s Slimming World group for nearly two years, ran the London marathon for charity to help in her weight loss.
She said: “You don’t have to exercise but we do have a body magic activity programme for all levels alongside the generous food optimising plan.”
Doctors can refer patients to the group for 12 weeks free of charge.
The group meets on Thursdays at the Quaker House, Elliot Park, Keswick, opposite Booths, at 10am and 5.30pm.
