A SUPER slimmer who shed more than seven stone has made it to the semi-finals of national competition.

Mathew Graham, 29, who attends the Purley Slimming World group, was one of 43 men to win a place at the semi-finals of the brand's Man of the Year competition after losing an impressive 7st 4lbs, where he was congratulated by none other than former England footballer, John Barnes.

Mathew, who tipped the scales at 21st 6.5lbs before joining the slimming group, believes it can be hard for men to admit they need help to lose weight.

He said: "I joined Slimming World following the encouragement of my husband and work colleague who also joined the same group. With their support we have all changed our lives for the better. I’m so glad I had the courage to walk through those doors. In fact, I haven’t looked back since.

"I think I had a really negative view of weight loss before I joined Slimming World, I thought I’d be constantly hungry and have to give up all of my favourite foods. I couldn’t have been more wrong though, I eat just as much as before, if not more.

"The beauty of Slimming World is that I can fill up on all of my favourite foods and lose weight without depriving myself. Mexican dishes, cooked breakfasts and Indonesian curries are all still on the menu, I’ve just had to make some simple swaps like ditching the olive oil or butter in favour of low-calorie cooking spray and trimming the fat off of meat.

“I did worry that I’d be the only bloke in the room, and, even if I ever was, it wouldn’t matter because everyone is there for the same reason and it’s such a supportive and friendly environment. All the hints, tips and recipes you pick up in group are really helpful too.

Mathew is now enjoying a lighter life after slimming down to a healthy 14st 2.5lbs, and has found himself becoming far more active.

He said: "Losing weight has even encouraged me to think about how active I am too, so I started walking to work and swimming in the morning. This is helping me get fit for a personal challenge I have set myself next year; to trek the Sahara Desert to raise money for the Royal Berkshire Hospital Radiology Department. Getting to meet John was great too, I never knew losing weight would have this many perks!”

Deana Pugh, who runs the Purley group that Mathew attends, said: “A lot of men think that slimming clubs are female-only zones, so Mathew is living proof that this isn’t the case. In fact, there are now 60,000 men attending Slimming World groups, which goes to show that men need just as much support as women to slim down and improve their health. Slimming World works for everyone, so I hope Mathew inspires lots of other people in Reading – male or female – who’d like to lose weight to take that step and join our group at The Barn or call me on 07909 721589.”