Here, four inspirational slimmers share how harnessing the power of teamwork gave them the support and motivation they needed to build an active lifestyle they love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discover our latest special offers and start your fitness journey today<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When Nicholas Todd switched from playing to coaching rugby, he noticed his weight creeping up faster than ever. Now 8st 7lbs lighter, he\u2019s ready to tackle sport \u2013 and life \u2013 head on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhile being a \u2018big lad\u2019 definitely had its benefits on the rugby pitch, things started to get out of hand when I stopped playing regularly. As a coach, I had to have my kit made to order because none of the standard sizes were big enough, and I found it harder and harder to keep up with the other players on the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I joined Slimming World with my partner, Jess, and gradually the weight came off. I loved the flexibility of the Food Optimising eating plan \u2013 I could still enjoy going out for a meal or a special occasion without letting it derail my entire weight loss journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When our kit drop next came around, I discovered that I\u2019d dropped four sizes. Then, at my work\u2019s annual conference, I had to reintroduce myself to most of my colleagues because they didn\u2019t recognise me any more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While I don\u2019t play as often as I used to, I find it much easier to get around the pitch when I do \u2013 in fact, I\u2019ve had to relearn my position because I\u2019m so much quicker than I used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n When Kelly Roberts realised her weight was affecting her footballing form, she knew it was time to make a change. Now she\u2019s fitter than ever and ready to tackle any challenge\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith Slimming World\u2019s support, the pounds started falling away. And as my confidence grew, so did my abilities on the pitch. When the new season started, my teammates were amazed by how much weight I\u2019d lost \u2013 and they were even more impressed when they saw me flying up and down the wings without needing to take a breather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s hard to put into words how much losing 4st 5lbs has changed my life. I\u2019ve got a new job that I love, I\u2019ve dropped four dress sizes and last year, I finally had the confidence to wear a bikini on holiday. Best of all, I feel fitter and healthier than ever, and it\u2019s reignited my passion for football. I used to think that my playing days were coming to an end. Now I know I\u2019ve got a few more seasons left in me (at least!) and I can\u2019t wait to see what adventures they bring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Kelly\u2019s full story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Tired of playing as an offensive lineman, American football player Ross Hebden knew he needed to slim down and boost his fitness if he was going to run with the ball. Now, he loves being in the thick of the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWeighing 22st, I was one of the largest of the Cornish Sharks offensive linemen, and my size meant that was the only position available to me in the game I loved so much. I just wasn\u2019t fit enough to run around with the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the weight came off, though, my ability on the field improved, and when I switched teams to the Worcestershire Black Knights (based much closer to home) I successfully tried out as a running back. I couldn\u2019t wait to test how fit I\u2019d really become since losing weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same week I hit my target weight of 13st 7lbs, I played the biggest fixture of my American football season \u2013 the match against my old team, the Cornish Sharks. It was a good time to have my best game of the season, gaining more yards than in any other match I\u2019d played \u2013 and we won by our record score of 50-6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the game, my old coach came jogging over and said: \u2018You played really well and you deserve your place in that position. Maybe you could come back to us next season?\u2019 I smiled \u2013 those words of praise felt incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Ross\u2019s full story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n At 27st, Dave Winchester relied on extra-strong painkillers to function, which put a dampener on his dreams of returning to the cricket field. After losing half his body weight, he found the energy to step back up to the crease \u2013 and he\u2019s never been happier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was quite sporty as a child, and my weight issues didn\u2019t start until I left home and was making my own choices around food. Takeaways and convenience food became the norm, as did nightly cans of cider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When I learnt about Slimming World\u2019s Body Magic physical activity support programme in group, it made me think about how I could get back to the more active lifestyle I\u2019d enjoyed when I was younger. That spurred me on to rejoin a cricket team \u2013 it\u2019s a fun way to get fitter and I really enjoy the social side, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By following the Body Magic programme, I built up how much activity I was doing at my own pace, and in time I got rid of our second car because I found it simpler to walk or cycle to wherever I needed to be. It\u2019s crazy to think I once avoided driving because my stomach got in the way of the steering wheel, and now I avoid it because I\u2019d rather be on my bike!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Dave\u2019s full story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you join Slimming World, you\u2019ll get access to everything you need to increase your activity levels your way, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about Slimming World\u2019s Body Magic programme<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cMy rugby kit is four sizes smaller\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Nick](\"https:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/NickTodd-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\u201cI kicked my takeaway habit and scored a 4st 5lbs weight loss\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Kelly](\"https:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/KellyRoberts-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\u201cI\u2019m 5st lighter \u2013 and now I can play in my dream position\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Ross](\"https:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/RossHebden-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\u201cI\u2019m bowled over by my success\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Dave](\"https:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DaveWinchester-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nUnlock your Body Magic tool kit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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