I was relatively slim until I hit my 20s. My weight crept up from then on, so I’ve essentially been overweight most of my adult life. I’d try fad diets and lose a few pounds, but I found them difficult to stick to. I didn’t enjoy what I was eating and felt like I was missing out, which led to me becoming depressed – and eating even more as I spiralled. I was seriously contemplating medical intervention (like weight loss drugs) before I joined Slimming World. Now, I’m so glad I didn’t go down that route. 

I’m a mechanic by trade and have been in the industry for almost 30 years. I work for the RAC breakdown service, managing a team of 43 patrols. I no longer work roadside, partly because it had become such a struggle. I’d been known to get myself wedged under many a car while working, and the physical side of the job was getting harder. 

It was when my youngest son, Oscar, was born in 2019 that I really started thinking about the future. At 40, I knew I wasn’t the youngest of dads, and my health wasn’t great, either. I decided to go for a routine check-up, and the results were eye-opening. The doctor told me I had prediabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea. I’ve been asthmatic all my life, too, and had never realised what a huge part my weight played in the symptoms. It was time to take action. 

Four of my best friends were also keen to lose weight, so we decided to go along to a Slimming World group together. I was very sceptical at first. I was nervous about taking part in the group sessions, and worried that it would become just another thing I wasn’t able to stick with – but I was so wrong. My Wednesday night group is now a highlight of my week. I soon realised that I don’t have to miss out with Slimming World – I can still eat all my favourite foods, just with some small changes to make them slimming-friendly. 

What to expect at your first group session

My Consultant, Clare, was so supportive. She helped me to realise where my excess calories were coming from, and I started planning my meals so that I didn’t make unhealthy food choices just because I was hungry and in a rush. I prepared things to take to work with me, and the other members in group gave me ideas to help me stay on track. 

One of my motivations for joining Slimming World was wanting to be an active dad. My goal was to be able to run in the parents’ race at my son’s sports day – to show him that you can give anything a go. Before, my weight kept me on the sidelines, but not any more!  

Slimming World offers an activity support programme to help members become more active at their own pace – and it’s something I’ve developed a real passion for. I joined the gym alongside the same friends I started group with, and now I honestly love it. I never would’ve set foot in a gym when I was heavier. The simplest of tasks were challenging before, and I’d get out of breath just walking around the house. Now, I enjoy exercise, I love going on long walks with my dogs and I’m the dad I wanted to be!  

If you’d love to feel fitter, healthier and happier in 2025, our unique physical activity programme will help get you there. 

Being 6st (38kg) lighter has had a positive effect on my work life, too. I feel more organised and focused throughout the day, which helps me give better support to the team. With a refreshed, positive mindset and drive to improve myself, I’ve enrolled in a team leader course that will lead to a qualification at the end. My mental and physical health has improved so much since I started my journey. Slimming World has changed my life, and I feel like I’m the best possible version of me. 

Congratulations to Nick, who has been named one of Slimming World’s Icons for 2025.

You can also read the story of this year’s other Slimming World Icon, Jess Westbury, here. 

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.