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Sittingbourne and Sheerness super slimmers share lockdown weight loss

06:00, 01 January 2021

Super slimmers have shared their weight loss success stories after shedding the pounds in lockdown.

Lauren Bridgland, 23, decided enough was enough when she couldn’t climb a flight of stairs without losing her breath and joined Slimming World.

Lauren joined the group in January last year, but lost two stone during the first UK lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43685988)
Lauren joined the group in January last year, but lost two stone during the first UK lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43685988)
Lauren Bridgland, from Sittingbourne, has lost nearly six stone. Picture: Slimming World (43685985)
Lauren Bridgland, from Sittingbourne, has lost nearly six stone. Picture: Slimming World (43685985)

The Sittingbourne woman joined in January last year and shed nearly six stone, but lost the bulk of her weight when lockdown started.

Lauren, who was due to get married this year, said: “I couldn’t cross my legs properly anymore and I hated people taking photos of me. I didn’t want to live like that anymore.

“I joined Slimming World and was the best decision ever made.

“When lockdown came along supermarkets aisles were pretty much empty so trying to buy the right foods was near enough impossible, my work routine had completely done a 360 and all of a sudden we were trapped in the four walls of our homes. The first week of lockdown I spent almost everyday off plan and the day before weigh in I just thought “why on earth have you done this to yourself?” So I started afresh and got straight back on it.”

Lauren decided to cook properly, exercise on work breaks and going for runs.

Ray Seager lost 2.5 stone while in lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43685982)
Ray Seager lost 2.5 stone while in lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43685982)

She is documenting her weight loss journey on her Instagram @downsizingflabulously.

Charity fundraiser Ray Seager is another who has thanked the weight-loss group for helping change his life.

Ray attended a weekly session in Bridge Street, Sheerness, before Covid-19 restrctions and shed two-and-a-half stone in the first lockdown.

He is a member of the local Rotary Club and runs Minster Working Men’s Club.

He said a full English and roasts “were never out of the question” during his weight loss journey.

Alix Hinson, 35, has lost five-and-a-half stone in lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43686124)
Alix Hinson, 35, has lost five-and-a-half stone in lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43686124)

He added: “I’m feeling happier and so much healthier.

“I exercise more, eat healthily and don’t graze... much.”

Another Sittingbourne woman who lost five-and-half-stone in lockdown says her confidence has sky rocketed.

Alix Hinson, 35, said: “As the years went on and the weight piled on, my confidence seemed to vanish along with my self esteem.

“I have lost 5.5 stone in total and now people tell me I’ve inspired them.

Alix Hinson, 35, has lost five-and-a-half stone in lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43686126)
Alix Hinson, 35, has lost five-and-a-half stone in lockdown. Picture: Slimming World (43686126)

“My confidence has grown beyond my wildest dreams and this year I’ve achieved so much.

“I’m very proud to be me.”

Read more: All the latest news from Sheerness

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne

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