Double duo weight loss pair who shed over 17 stone are set to support others

A slimming duo, who between them lost over 18 stone this year, are using their success to shape a whole new career and repay the support that they received by helping others lose weight and help change their lives for the better.  

Nic Watkins and Nicole Goodenough, both from Stowmarket, have recently trained as Slimming World consultants and after attending sessions to lose weight they are now set to relaunch groups in the new year, beginning next month.

Nic, who is now over 13 stone lighter, started attending his group in Stowmarket after being inspired by his daughter who had successfully lost weight.

The 54-year-old said he was physically unfit, struggling with his diabetes and mental health and worried that he would not be there for his wife, children and grandchildren.

So something needed to change, he said.

“After losing two stone at home alone, I started to struggle to keep the motivation to lose weight going and knew I needed help. I was offered 12 free weeks though the One Life Suffolk scheme to join Slimming World and snapped it up,” said Nic, pictured above before and after his weight loss.

“As a man I was apprehensive and worried about joining group – and feared that I would be the only man. Walking through the door that very first night was the best thing I have ever done. I was warmly welcomed and to my surprise was not the only man. Since losing my weight I have reduced my diabetes medication and feel amazing. I have joined the gym and am now more active than I have ever been.”

He is starting his sessions at Needham Market Community Centre, on Tuesday, January 3, at 5.30pm and 7.15pm, and can be contacted on 07807 169639 for more information.

Meanwhile, Nicole, pictured above before and after her weight loss, a busy mum of five, has seen her confidence soar since losing five stone and relaunches the Stowmarket Football Club group on Tuesday, January 3, at 5.30pm. For further information contact her on 07939 555606.

The 32-year-old said: “I was at melting point. I felt fat, ashamed and ugly and when nothing no longer fitted I knew I needed to make the brave step and join my local group. As a mum I needed an eating plan that was flexible and family friendly. I used to rely on takeaways or quick easy frozen food that I could chuck in the oven.

“Gone are those days – I now enjoy making homemade chicken nuggets and chips, pulled pork, beef burgers and a traditional cooked breakfast as a family on a Sunday morning. Group has helped me makes some healthy swaps that have enabled us to shop, cook and eat together as a family – I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Kelly Cooper, Slimming World team developer who has recruited the two new consultants, says that their new roles have never been so important, with people struggling with their weight even more, after the impact the pandemic and lockdown has had.

Latest figures from Public Health England show that 68.7% of adults living in Stowmarket are seriously overweight or obese. With mental health being more important than ever, groups offer members social connection – which research shows that feeling a part of a community with like-minded people is key to successful weight loss.

For more information about Slimming World go to www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.