AN ALVA man says he had “given up” on himself before a drastic lifestyle change saw him shedding more than half his body weight.

Steven Queen was struggling with mental ill-health and mobility issues as his weight began to dominate his life.

At his heaviest he was a massive 31 stone, but a visit to his doctor last year and his attendance at a nearby slimming group has helped him overhaul his diet.

He has now lost nearly 17 stone in around 13 months – going from being unable to walk down the street to climbing the Ochils.

Steven told the Advertiser: “I wasn’t in a good place mentally. I couldn’t get around very much and had sore legs from walking and lower back pain.

“I used to eat at least 24 packets of crisps a day and generally eating and drinking the wrong things.

“I couldn’t even fit in the bath – it was a terrible way to live, especially for someone in their 30s.

“I didn’t really want to be seen by people; I was ashamed. I had no friends and never had much of a social life.

“I was just so self-conscious. I used to carry a jacket over my arm just to hide my stomach – that’s how bad it was.

“I had given up on life because of my size. I was wearing 6XL T-shirts; I had two pairs of combat trousers to my name. I just didn’t want to be alive and thought: ‘What’s the point?’”

When advised to look into joining a slimmers’ group, Steven admitted he was unsure as to whether it would do him any good.

But after one session, he started to see the benefit and has been shedding pounds ever since.

He said: “I went to see my doctor and they put me on to the mental health [department]. It was suggested to me that I join one of those sliming groups, so I started going to Slimming World in Alva last June.

“I was hesitant at first because you don’t know what to expect. Will I be judged? Will I be made to feel like rubbish if I didn’t lose any weight?

“But I went the first week and it felt like putting on a comfy pair of slippers. They were great, and I’d like to thank the consultant Donna Usher and all those at Slimming World in Alva for their support.

“The first week I lost half a stone and I have lost every week since. The biggest challenge will be maintaining my weight. I’m not sure how I will feel when I do get a gain.”

He added: “I’m in walking groups and I really like that. I’m always outdoors which is much better than being cooped up in the house all the time.

“I climbed Dumyat a month ago. So I’ve gone from not being able to walk anywhere for 10 minutes to climbing up hills in a year.

“I think I fell a couple of times but to get up there was just awesome for me.”

Steven is now eager to encourage more people to change their lives around should they wish to lose weight and improve their health.

He said: “The slimming group is great because you learn something new every day. You are allowed to treat yourself, but a treat for me could be a new T-shirt or a new pair of walking boots or something like that.

“I don’t allow myself a cheat day or anything. Donna tells us we are allowed to treat ourselves, but I’m very wary of eating chocolate or something like that in case I end up going backwards.

“What I want is to try and be an inspiration to others – I know that sounds big-headed, but I really would like to help those who are in my situation.

“Losing weight can be difficult but it can be done if you really put your mind to it.”
 

Weight loss classes "not just for women"

WITH Alva man Steven Queen shedding nearly 17 stone in a little more than a year, health experts are keen to highlight the potential for men to excel at slimming classes.

Steven has been attending the Slimming World classes under the direction of consultant Donna Usher and admitted to being apprehensive at first.

He said: "Like most men I thought slimming clubs were for women and expected to be eating nothing but salad. But the minute I walked through the door I realised that nothing could have been further from the truth.

"I was made very welcome," he added. "There’s a real mix of people – men and women of all ages – and we have a great time.

"Plus with Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, no foods are banned.  Instead, I’ve learned how to cook healthier versions of my favourite meals like roast beef and mince and tatties and every week at Slimming World we share new recipes and handy tips.”

Slimming World consultant Donna Usher, who runs the group in Alva, says improving personal health could be more important for men than it is women, and pointed to recent government statistics that found 65 per cent of males were overweight compared to 56 per cent of women.

She is also keen to highlight that members are still able to eat their favourite foods while on the course, while also enjoying the odd glass of beer or wine too.

Donna said: "It’s great that we’re able to celebrate this milestone and, without doubt, Steven along with my other male and female members have all improved their health.

“Even though men tend to be more nervous when they first join, they are actually some of the most successful slimmers," she added. "Men tend to have more muscle mass than women do and as muscle uses up energy it means that men often lose weight a little faster than women.

“Men also tend to be extremely focused when they start on a healthy eating plan and often see very good weight losses in the first few weeks, which motivates them to carry on and reach their targets quickly.”

For more information, motivation and recipe ideas visit www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000.