Pontypool postman loses six stones in battle of the bulge

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HE WAS named Slimming World Man of the Year at his group, having only himself for competition.

Now former postman Graham Watkins wants other men to join him by pledging to beat the bulge at weight loss groups more usually attended by women.

The 61-year-old, who lives in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, has lost six stones and half a pound since he joined the weight loss class on Zion Hill two years ago.

Tipping the scales at 19 stone 10lb, 5ft 6in Mr Watkins said he always knew he was overweight, often comfort-eating while living on his own.

He only plucked up the courage to join a group following a conversation with a woman at a bus stop.

He said: "I was standing there moaning about my weight and she said, 'come with me to Slimming World tonight,'and at 6pm she knocked on my door. When I was told I was killing myself with food it was the pull-up I needed."

Mr Watkins had tried to lose weight before after being referred to an exercise scheme by his doctor at Pontypool Active Living Centre but was still wearing trousers with a 50-inch waist.

But he says: "I was coming out hungry and going straight past the takeaway on my way home."

This soon changed when he joined the diet group and Mr Watkins soon began to cook himself home-made meals.

Out went curries, pasties and Chinese and in came healthier options such as spaghetti bolognese.

Mr Watkins, who worked as a postman for 35 years, said the weight piled on when he retired, and he began walking with a stick after a fall at home caused him to suffer from arthritis.

Although he had a slight blip and put on weight over Christmas, Mr Watkins is now on target, needing to lose another two stones to reach his preferred weight of 11 stone 10lb.

Through his success so far, Mr Watkins hopes to encourage other men to reduce their waistlines.

He said: "Last week 35 weighed in and I was the only man, not that I have complained being surrounded by so many women! But men seem to think of slimming classes as women's things.

"Some men seem to be happy being fat. But slimming is something they can do - they are going to get fitter, healthier and live longer. My group is very friendly."

Mr Watkins is also taking cookery classes at The Life Station, Trevethin, to keep up his healthy regime.