Herald Express (Torbay, Brixham & South Hams Edition)
New-found energy ranks Ray amongst UK’s best slimmers
ASUPER slimmer from Newton Abbot has reached the semifinals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s most successful male slimmers.
Ray Cole, 76, won a place in the final of Slimming World’s 2023 man of the year competition after members from his Bradley Barton group voted for him to reach the next stage of the contest.
Mr Cole, who shed five stone, 13.5lbs, and slimmed from 19st 0.5lbs to 13st 1lbs, says: “I’d been unhappy with my weight for a while, yet I just didn’t face up to it. Deep down I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want to ask for help. I thought weight loss groups like Slimming World were for women and expected them to be a bit cliquey – I couldn’t have been more wrong and now I recommend it to all my mates who want to lose weight too.”
Mr Cole says the supportive environment of his Slimming World group has been key to his success.
He says: “I was nervous walking through those doors for the first time not really knowing what to expect but everyone was warm and welcoming and we’re all at the group for the same reason – to lose weight. Going to group now just feels like a catch-up with my friends, we motivate each other, share tips and recipe ideas and support each other.
“I thought losing weight would be very restrictive and that I’d always feel hungry, but I’ve been able to still enjoy my favourite meals like carbonara, spaghetti Bolognese, curries and sweet and sour chicken. I’ve just learnt how to prepare and cook them differently now.
“Before I joined I worried eating healthily might limit me, but I try more recipes now. The freedom of the plan means I don’t have to miss out and nothing is off limits. I’m pleased to say I’m never hungry!”
As well as losing weight, Mr Cole says he has a new-found passion for exercise. “As the weight came off, I started to feel more energetic and decided to try something new,” he said.
“I was really inspired by Slimming World’s physical activity support programme, which encourages you to make small and sustainable steps towards getting more active. I’ve taken up cycling again, something I had to stop when I gained weight because I would get so out of breath. I also swim on a regular basis and play the bagpipes too – again something I couldn’t do before because I would get so breathless.”
Julie Scoines, who runs the Bradley Barton group, says she’s proud of Mr Cole.
“His determination and motivation has never faded – he’s a real inspiration to the group and I hope he inspires other people in Newton Abbot to join our group and take the first step towards losing weight for good,” she said. “Men often think Slimming World isn’t a man’s world but research shows men lose more weight than women when they join, as well as dramatically improving their physical and mental health. I’d love to welcome new members to our group at Bradley Barton Community Centre on a Saturday morning.”
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As the weight came off, I started to feel more energetic and decided to try something new
Ray Cole