Weight Loss Groups:

Not just for girls

We're changing perceptions: weight-loss groups aren't just for girls. In LiveWell's five-year history, we've helped thousands of guys shed tons of weight.

Us men are more likely to be overweight than women*, yet less likely to get help. Middle-aged men are twice as likely as women to get type 2 diabetes. While we may well want to lose weight, we may not know how or where to start. Start here.

Recently, we spent an afternoon chatting to guys at a weight-loss group. It was encouraging and inspiring to hear their stories. Through these conversations and others, two common stories emerged. Perhaps you’re familiar with them?

Old Story

“I've a busy work-life... I'm in a desk job... I'm tired when I get home so sit down on the sofa and eat stuff I shouldn't... I used to be really active and play lots of football... I was always looking after my family first... I had high blood pressure and was at risk of type two diabetes... I hadn't realised how lethargic I'd gotten... I didn't want to admit that I needed to go to a weight-loss group.”

“I struggled walking up hills, I'd get breathless and need to take breaks... my joints were hurting.

“I was spiralling downwards."

New story

Let's bust this myth. A question we ask of our male clients is - what would you say to other guys thinking about making a change? ... "Just do it" comes the answer - nearly every time. Here's the new story:

"Just do it… Give it a try... You'd be surprised by how much support and encouragement you get… I'm getting the old me back… The weight was shedding off - I lost a stone in the first month."

"Weight loss groups are for anyone wanting to lose weight, get fit and take care of their health: that should be on everyone's list, right?" Owen

"There's nothing to lose, apart from a bit of weight!"

Familiar stories

Here are some more stories and experience from some of the chaps we’ve helped:

“A year ago, I was at desperation point when I had to buy 42-inch waist suit trousers...I enjoy live music events and going to the pub for drinks; the weight-gain and inactivity sort of crept up on me. I had to get over the initial embarrassment factor of needing to go to Slimming World. I expected to be the only guy but was pleasantly surprised! After a month, I’d lost half a stone – it was like wow, this is working, it’s coming off!"

Ivan. Three stone weight loss.

"I used to be in the army and part of a culture of heavy drinking. I had high blood pressure and borderline type 2 diabetes. When I struggled to get down onto all fours to play with my grandson; I decided enough was enough. It was time to make a change."

Bernie. Five stone weight loss.

"After switching to a sedentary job and battling with an illness, I found it hard to maintain physical activity and started to gain weight. I'd tried several diets previously without success. It was when I joined Slimming World through LiveWell's kick-start programme that I started to see results."

Mick. Five stone weight loss.

"I developed type two diabetes. My sugar levels were through the roof. My eyesight had started to deteriorate. I joined WW through LiveWell's kick-start voucher scheme and have lost 5 stone - I feel great! I've even completed couch 25k! LiveWell helped me take control of my life."

Owen. Five stone weight-loss.

Ed. Four stone weight loss.
"To anyone thinking about going to a weight-loss group, I would say just do it! I initially joined to support my partner but knew I needed to lose weight too. I do things to stop sabotaging myself such as not take my wallet to work so I simply can’t buy a snack on my journey to work.”

Biggest Loser

Are you ready to become a big loser? Register with us today here or call freephone 0800 840 1628.

*https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN03336

How does this work?

The tailored approach LiveWell Dorset uses to come up with solutions to the things that are stopping us achieving our goals, is based upon work done by University College London developing the COM-B model of behaviour change. In this model, all behaviour is influenced by understanding a person’s capability to change, their opportunity to change and their motivation to change. By understanding which of these is the biggest barrier to change, we can tailor support accordingly. This model of behaviour change is at the centre of the support we offer, online and in person.

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