A 44-year-old slimmer from Stalybridge has hit the back of the net after reaching the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top male slimmers, where he met footballing legend Dion Dublin.
XLLMIan Rawson was one of just 32 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2016 competition after losing an impressive 8st 9.5lbs. It was there that he was congratulated by former Coventry, Aston Villa and Leicester City star Dion. Ian, who slimmed from 20st 6lbs to 11st 10.5lbs, believes it can be hard for men to admit that they need help to lose weight, and that it is especially difficult for them to walk through the doors of a slimming club for the first time. He said: “When men think about losing weight it usually involves hitting the gym or trying to eat less without really telling anyone. Joining Slimming World was a big step for me, I’m so glad I had the courage to walk through those doors though.” New research backs up Ian’s view, too.
A recent study by Slimming World found that 72% of men thought that increasing physical activity was the most socially-acceptable weight-loss method, followed by losing weight on their own (67%) and taking advice from their GP (54%). However, while men are less likely than women to attend slimming groups, research shows that when they do attend they are actually more successful than their female counterparts and they find the groups to be much more man-friendly than they expected. Ian continues: “I was a bit worried that I’d end up on a diet of just lettuce, so I couldn’t believe it when I joined Slimming World and my Consultant explained that I could still eat burgers, chips, steaks and curries as long as I made a few healthy swaps in terms of the way I cooked and prepared them. I thought I’d be hungry all the time but it’s been surprisingly easy to follow because I’ve never once felt deprived. I could even still enjoy the odd drink with my mates, which definitely helped too. “Of course I was worried that as a man I’d stand out like a sore thumb when I first joined! It wasn’t like that at all though; everyone was really supportive and welcoming.
All the hints, tips and recipes you pick up in group are really helpful too. You soon come to realise that everyone is in that room for the same reason. I was a bit hesitant to tell my friends I was going to a slimming group in the beginning, by the time they noticed that I was losing weight I had no problem singing Slimming World’s praises though! It’s even encouraged me to think about how active I am too, so I’ve taken up swimming, cycling and kickboxing. “When I first started losing weight I had no idea I’d end up at the semifinals of a national competition. I’ve been overwhelmed by the stories of the other finalists and meeting Dion made it all the better as I’ve got a great story to tell my mates now.” Dion, who has now hung up his football boots to present hit daytime TV show Homes under the Hammer, was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition.
He says: “Health and fitness formed a huge part of my career as a footballer, so I know how much effort and dedication it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It was a pleasure to meet Ian and hear all about his weight loss. He’s taken a really big and important step – a step which a lot of men would find too daunting – I think many people would be guilty of thinking that going to a slimming club isn’t very macho. It takes a lot to recognise that you have a weight problem and then be brave enough to do something about it – he’s a top man in my Unfortunately, Ian was not the overall winner of the competition.
The title was taken by Danny Crosby, from Altrincham, who has lost 8st. Maria Palma, who runs the Stalybridge group that Ian attends, says she is very proud of her super slimmer. She says: “A lot of men think that slimming clubs are a woman only zone, and Ian is living proof that this isn’t the case. Men need just as much support as women to slim down and improve their health. I’m so proud of everything Ian has achieved. Slimming World works for everyone, so I hope Ian inspires lots of other men in Stalybridge who’d like to lose weight to take that step and join our group at Stalybridge Labour Club or call me on 07711 540115.” Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) in 1969.
There are now more than 16,000 weekly groups supporting 900,000 members across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Groups are run by a network of 4,500 community based Slimming World Consultants, who receive specific training in the role of diet and physical activity in weight management, as well as sophisticated behaviour change techniques. Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of satiety and energy density. Our phased activity programme, Body Magic, eases members into activity until it becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine.
The principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people and recognition that those who struggle with weight carry a double burden, the weight itself and a burden of guilt and shame about their weight. Slimming World’s programme integrates practical, up-to-date advice with a highly developed support system based on care and compassion, and Consultant training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a warm and friendly group environment. Consultant training is delivered through the Slimming World Academy. Slimming World also invests in a comprehensive research programme to develop its support for long-term weight management. The group support provided by Slimming World is recognised as effective by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the NHS.
