Falkirk slimmer Jack's loss gains him a place in final

Jack Hardy made the final 25 in Slimming World’s Young Slimmer of the Year 2020 competition, out of all the 16 to 21-year-olds who attend Slimming World across the UK and Ireland.

The competition recognises the enormous achievements of young people in making long-term lifestyle changes to become fitter, healthier and happier.

Jack, who joined the Grangemouth Slimming World group to feel more comfortable with his size, says: “I knew was an unhealthy weight and I was unhappy wearing larger clothes to cover myself up.

“I was encouraged to join my local Slimming World group by my mum. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, and I found it easy to get my head around the plan. I had never actually weighed myself before and I was apprehensive about what the number on the scales might be. I soon realised that everyone was there for the same reason though and everyone has been so supportive of me – no matter what their age.

“My friends and family are really proud of what I’ve achieved – and I’m feeling quite proud of myself too actually for sticking with it and reaching my goals.

Jack added: “I can still eat all my favourite foods like pasta, sweet and sour chicken and chocolate – I’ve just learnt how to prepare and cook them in a healthier way now. I’ve cooked more in the last year than I have in my whole life! I feel as though I’ll be able to keep up this healthy way of life forever – which is something I never thought I would say.”

Since that first group, Jack has slimmed from 16st 7lbs to 12st 4lbs and as a result of his incredible achievement, his fellow members in the Grangemouth group voted for him to represent them in the Young Slimmer of the Year 2020 finals, which were held at Slimming World’s head office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in early March.

It was there he met Strictly winner and gymnast Louis Smith MBE, who came along to show his support for the youngsters taking part. Louis, who represented Great Britain as a gymnast at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics was amazed at Jack’s transformation.

Jenni Lapsley, who runs the Grangemouth Slimming World group which Jack attends, says: “I took over the group when Jack was well into his journey but I’m so proud of him. What he’s achieved is so much more than just losing weight. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Jack grow in confidence each week. Joining Slimming World has given him the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and develop new active habits that will stand him in good stead for the rest of his life. I know he has a brighter future ahead of him now.

“Since our Young Slimmer of the Year competition took place, Slimming World made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend groups in order to keep its members safe and well during the ongoing pandemic. However, I'm keeping my members supported via a virtual group which is just as welcoming and a lot of fun. If you would like to find out more about Slimming World or joining my virtual group I'd love for you to contact me on 07842676133.”

Unfortunately, Jack was not the overall winner of the competition. Slimming World's Young Slimmer of the Year 2020 will be announced later this month.