SLIMMING groups are not just for women, says super slimmer Mike Osborne from Rudheath.

Thanks to the support of the Rudheath Slimming World Group Mike has lost five stones since October.

He now weighs 12 stones 12 pounds, and has been named Rudheath’s Slimming World Man of the Year 2015.

Mike said: “I’d been unhappy with my size for some time and tried to lose weight, but didn’t know how to make long-term changes. I would exercise and tried to watch what I ate, but I’d never lose much weight - or if I did it wouldn’t stay off for long.

“I’d never thought about joining a slimming group because, if I’m honest, I always thought they were just for women.

“Then, when my partner Gill suggested we both slim together, I realised I didn’t have anything to lose - except weight - and I thought I should at least give it a go.

“I was very nervous walking into the group for the first time, everyone was so friendly though and I soon realised we were all there for the same reason.

I haven’t looked back since and, at five stones lighter, I definitely don’t have any regrets. I recommend Slimming World to everyone now - men and women!”

Karen Kay, who runs the Rudheath Slimming World group that Mike attends, said: “Mike is proof that men can benefit from getting support to eat more healthily and become more active just as much as women.

“He’s a real inspiration. Lots of local men have joined the group after hearing about Mike’s success. I hope when other men read his story they’ll feel more comfortable about joining a Slimming World group, especially now they know they won’t be the only man there.

“It’s extremely important because the obesity crisis doesn’t just affect women - there are more overweight men than women in the UK.”

The Rudheath group is held every Wednesday at Shurlach Methodist Church, Shipbrook Road at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining the group can call in or for more information can call Karen on 0777 9995993.