A GAMER from Davenham with a passion for savouries like pies and cheese has shed an amazing five stone, six pounds in just 25 weeks.  

James Royle, who works in Winsford as an insurance administrator, weighed 23 stone, two pounds on his first day at Lostock Gralam's Slimming World group in June.

“I just knew it would be the last time I’d see that number,” he said.

James says he hasn’t been very active in the past, and has a weakness for savoury snacks like pies, bread, and cheese, but now walks more than eight miles a day to work and back, weather permitting.

The 35-year-old was worried about joining a slimming club as he's been self-conscious about his weight, but losing a whopping eight-and-a-half pounds in the first week, and a mutually supportive atmosphere, was the ‘kick up the backside’ he needed.

James ‘tries not to get too het up on the numbers’, but still hopes to reach his six stone target by Christmas.

He says he’s ‘a lot more positive’ after his weight loss, adding: “I’ve got loads more energy than I used to.

Northwich Guardian: James says he was very self-conscious about his weight before his slimming journey began in JuneJames says he was very self-conscious about his weight before his slimming journey began in June (Image: James Royle)

“I feel good. My mood is better, which I think is from eating better, as well as losing weight.

“I was a bit apprehensive about joining Slimming World to start with as I’ve always been self-conscious about my size, even when I’ve not really shown it.

“I didn’t go out a great deal, but that’s changed. I’m much more sociable that I used to be.

“In the past, I’ve tried to lose weight on my own. You can do it that way, but it’s much harder when you’re only accountable to yourself.

“The main thing about Slimming World it it’s a bunch of people who’re all in the same boat.

Northwich Guardian: 'Having just one place where you weigh yourself each week makes it a good reason to go.''Having just one place where you weigh yourself each week makes it a good reason to go.' (Image: James Royle)

“Everyone just wants to lose weight and be healthier, and that’s nice.

“Having just one place where you weigh yourself each week makes it a good reason to go.

“You can be flexible with what you eat too. Sometimes I meal prep for the week, but it all depends on what I feel like. I always make sure I eat plenty of vegetables.

“A lot of it is common sense really. Eats lots of fruit and veg, don’t over-indulge in processed foods and fats.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve had a particular weakness in the past - it was just everything.

“But I've got a real thing for savoury stuff; pies, bread, cheese. The stuff which makes life worth living.”

James offered his advice to others on a weight loss journey based on his recent experience.

“Try not to get too het up on the numbers, because that’s when it can all go wrong," he said.  

“It’s good to have something to aim for, but if you don’t hit your exact target, it can be demoralising.

“As long as each weigh-in is a minus, that’s good enough for me.”

The consultant at James' Slimming World group, Fiona Gerrard, said: "I’m incredibly proud of James and how focused he is on his journey, the transformation is incredible.

"In fact, I’m speechless most weeks at his amazing results. He was our Man of the Year 2023 in our Slimming world Group too."

Fe's group meets at 8am on Saturdays at Lostock Gralam Community Centre in Stubbs Lane.

For more information, contact Fe on 07857 978627.