A WREXHAM resident has lost seven stone despite being faced with new challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ryan Davies, 32, who has been a member at Slimming World for 31 weeks, achieved his seven stone award on April 25, thanks to the virtual group sessions being enforced to allow members to continue their weight loss journey whilst in lockdown.

He said: "Being part of group has helped me in so many ways - I have so much more energy, I’m more active, my interests have changed drastically as I enjoy going for walks, cooking and trying new healthy food."

The Leader:

Ryan Davies before his weight loss journey. Images: Sue Vaughan

Mr Davies, who has been working from home due to the virus outbreak, joined the Slimming World group last September due to needing to lose weight because of health reasons.

Despite being nervous at first, he credits the support he has received from the group as being the key to his success.

He added: "The most important part of this journey for me is the support that I've received from the Hightown Centre group.

"I've learnt new things each time that I attended and they always offer support to someone who may need it."

The Leader:

Ryan Davies after his weight loss journey

Slimmer Ryan has attended every Saturday group session without fail, and now attends them via Zoom.

Slimming World consultant, Sue Vaughan, said: "Members at the moment are struggling in so many ways, whether they’re frontline key workers, homeworking, furloughed, out of work - everyone is being hit with huge changes and this can make slimming incredibly difficult.

"So for Ryan to be awarded both his 6.5 stone and 7 stone awards in the last four weeks is outstanding."

Since the lockdown, 173 members have moved over to Ms Vaughan's virtual groups, which are held every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning.

In the past two weeks, over 30 new members have signed up.

Ms Vaughan, added: "Initially some members have been wary about moving to the virtual Slimming World, saying they’d wait until groups reopened, but as the weeks have progressed it’s becoming evident that groups as we knew them are not going to be running for some time, so needing to get back to eating healthily is meaning more members are getting in touch.

"Slimming World’s eating plan is a way of life for so many, and can be followed easily whatever your food preferences.

"Being healthy, eating well and exercising is even more important at this time, and with the support of so many people on the same journey is something that is bringing our group members closer together during isolation."

For details on joining one of these groups, contact Sue Vaughan either via sueswslimmerswrexham@gmail.com or via her Facebook page 'Sue's Virtual SW Slimmers'.