An inspirational Welwyn Garden City slimmer has opened up on his incredible 13-stone weight loss that made him "feel like a different man".

Ryan Milburn's efforts were recognised as he was named Greatest Loser of the Year 2023 for the United Reformed Church Slimming World group.

Since joining back in 2019, his weight loss has been scarcely believable, all despite his initial reservations about joining the group.

"It was nerve-wracking walking through those doors for the first time, but I wasn’t the only man there and everyone was warm and welcoming because we’re all at the group for the same reason – to lose weight and feel good," he said.

Ryan has been helped by Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, based on the science of satiety and energy density, meaning he never felt hungry or like he was on a diet.

                                                                                                                                    

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"One thing I’ve always loved about the Food Optimising plan is just how flexible and generous it is," he said. 

"I love the variety of foods I can still enjoy such as steak and homemade chips, chicken curry or a roast dinner.

"The freedom of the plan means I never have to miss out and nothing is off limits – I can still enjoy a pint of beer. 

"I love that I don’t have to worry about weighing and measuring everything I eat or counting calories either."

And it has all paid off, with Ryan continuing: "I always thought that physical activity would be the best way to lose weight, but when I was at my heaviest I just wasn’t fit enough to do it, and I’ve since realised that I needed to do more than just move.

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"I started by walking more and as I got fitter, I started to push myself more.

"I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight. I am now feel so much healthier and have a lot more energy."

Julie Horrocks, who runs the group, added: "He has done brilliantly and we’re all in awe of his transformation.

"He’s become healthier and happier. And while so much has changed over the last year, his determination and motivation has never faded – he’s a real inspiration."