Dunmurry man joins Slimming World and drops the pounds

A Dunmurry man who for years struggled with his weight has just lost an amazing four stone thanks to Slimming World.
Before and after David MackBefore and after David Mack
Before and after David Mack

Seymour Hill man David Mack, 50, who plans to lose another five stone this year, joined the local class at St Colman’s Church of Ireland Hall back in August, unhappy with his weight and desperate to drop the pounds.

David, a Delivery Office Manager with the Royal Mail in Lisburn, stood at an incredible 24 stone back in the summer which he described as being ‘practically clinically obese.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He knew that he was in need of a knee operation later that year and wanted to lose weight beforehand.

“I tried losing weight before but to be honest I didn’t really know how to go about it,” said David.

“I would go to the gym 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 always thought that slimming groups were just for women, but as ‘going it alone’ wasn’t working for me I decided I didn’t have anything to lose by giving Slimming World a go.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On joining the group David began following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which is a big hit with men because slimmers can eat hearty meals without worrying about portion sizes and still lose weight.

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

As the pounds started to drop off, David found he had more energy: “I joined Slimming World to lose some weight for a knee operation, I have had the operation and the weight loss has certainly helped my recovery.

“I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight. I feel far better and a lot more mobile. I had clothes which I had never worn and now I can get into them. I feel a lot more confident.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As well as losing weight this year, David became a grandfather in November, to Teddy who was born on November 10. “I feel I can be a better Grandad to little Teddy and I’m so looking forward to being active with him when he is a little older,” he said.

Sandra, who runs the Dunmurry Slimming World group that David attends, says she’s incredibly proud of him.

“David is proof that men can benefit from getting support to eat more healthily and become more active just as much as women,” said Sandra.

The Dunmurry Slimming World group is held on Tuesday at St Colman’s Church of Ireland Hall at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Anyone interested can ring 07806 694628.

Related topics: