Alex felt “completely out of control” as his weight hit 16 stone
Alex in a red Wales shirt after losing more than four stone. (Credit: Submitted)
A father who used to hide food wrappers from his wife and keep his shirt on at the beach has completely overhauled his life after losing more than four stone.
Having reached a point where he felt completely out of control, he is now preparing to tackle the London Marathon.
Alex, 31, from Plymouth, saw his weight creep up during his university years and throughout his twenties.
By early 2025, a combination of work stress, exhaustion at home, and emotional eating pushed his weight to 16 stone.
He explained that everyday life was becoming increasingly difficult, heavier, and more overwhelming.
Alex at the beach before losing weight, when he said he used to hide his body. (Credit: Submitted)
“I had been struggling for years,” Alex said. “But in 2024 and early 2025, things spiralled. I was exhausted, stressed, and using food to get through the day. I felt completely out of control.”
The turning point came during one week in April when he found himself eating in secret. Alex said he had been hiding wrappers so his wife, Cassie, would not see them, and he felt ashamed.
After an honest conversation with her, he joined a Saturday morning Slimming World session in Plymouth.
Alex with his children before his weight loss journey. (Credit: Submitted)
Before his transformation, Alex found simple activities like walking or playing with his children left him breathless.
His plummeting confidence meant he wore baggy clothes and avoided being in photographs.
“I even kept my shirt on at the beach with my girls,” Alex admitted. “I did not want my body to be on show.”
Since joining the group, he has embraced the Food Optimising plan, which he says allows him to enjoy his favourite meals and socialise without feeling restricted. He said he no longer felt guilty around food and felt in control.
His journey has seen him return to his passion for running. After following a structured activity plan and achieving a Gold Body Magic award, Alex has completed multiple half marathons, five full marathons, and a 50-mile ultra marathon.
This year, he has already taken part in the Eden Project Half Marathon and a local 10k as part of his training for the London Marathon, where he will run for Team Slimming World.
Alex shows how much weight he has lost by holding out his old jeans. (Credit: Submitted)
Alex’s experience is reflected in new research involving more than 3,200 Slimming World members aged 18–34. The study found that members in this age group lost an average of 12% of their body weight.
Additionally, 92% felt part of a supportive community, 89% reported a healthier relationship with food, and 59% said their mental wellbeing had improved.
Lauren, a Slimming World consultant who runs groups in Plymouth, said Alex’s story mirrors the transformations she sees every week. She said: “In a world dominated by screens and remote working, our weekly face-to-face groups feel like a breath of fresh air.”
Lauren added that the research confirms younger members are thriving by finding strength in human connection and accountability. Alex agreed, stating that the non-judgemental support of the group was a “lifeline”.
Alex at the Gorleston Cliffs parkrun following his weight loss. (Credit: Submitted)
“I am so glad I found Slimming World in my thirties,” Alex said. “I have lost over four stone, but more importantly, I have gained confidence, better mental health and a sense of belonging I did not know I needed. I only wish I had joined sooner”.
Lauren’s groups are held every Saturday at Wolseley Trust Community Centre at 7:30am, 9am, and 10:30am. For more information, contact Lauren on 07494 754493 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk. Information regarding careers with the organisation is available at www.slimmingworld.co.uk/careers.
