A MAN who transformed his life by losing five stone is using his success to shape a new career, helping others to achieve their weight loss dreams, too.
Charlie Bent joined the Slimming World group in Brynteg on May 3, 2022, and has not only lost more than five stone, but has also dropped from a 44” to a 34” waist.
Having struggled with his weight from an early age, the final straw came for Charlie while playing with his children, when he ran a short distance for a football and was extremely out of breath.
He already had Type 2 diabetes and was on medication, and also suffered by not sleeping well and had hot sweats in the night.
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Charlie said: “Type 2 diabetes is often linked with overweight and obesity.
“It develops if the body can’t make enough insulin to function efficiently, or if the body’s cells don’t react to the insulin that is produced.
“There are various stages of treatment and the condition can be managed by losing weight and adopting healthier lifestyle habits alone or through a combination of diet plus medication.
“I didn’t want to be on medication and I wanted to do something about it so I could be a heathier and fitter dad.
“The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three, which is scary.”
Following his weight loss, Charlie said he is no longer diabetic, nor on any medication to treat it.
He is able to do more activities with his family, especially his youngest two children, aged two and five.
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Now, Charlie has trained as a consultant for Slimming World, and will be taking on the Brynteg group from June 13.
Charlie said: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight, but now, I just can’t wait to get started.
“After losing over four stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.
“Support is really the most important thing; it all starts with feeling that you’re not alone and finding like-minded people.
“The understanding from my own consultant, Annette, and the group has trimmed not only my waistline but also my shopping bill.
“I couldn’t have lost the weight without that weekly help and encouragement.
“As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.
Like Charlie, Slimming World consultants are all former members who have lost weight at groups themselves, and groups are set up as micro businesses in the heart of UK communities.
There are currently about 4,000 consultants across the UK and Ireland running 15,000 groups.
Consultants receive training in Slimming World’s healthy eating and physical activity programmes and learn how to use group support to empower members to take control of their weight loss journeys.
As self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, consultants also learn how to build a successful community-based business.
Charlie’s Slimming World group will be held at Brynteg Community Hall every Tuesday at 5.30pm, and an additional session at 7pm from June 13.
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