A former bank manager who shed an incredible 21 stone is opening two slimming groups in Isleworth.
Tony Orrell, of Brentford, tipped the scales at 38.5 stone just a few years ago but now weighs just over 17.5 stone, meaning he has lost the weight of more than £14,000 in pound coins.
The 55-year-old is launching his own Slimming World groups to help other dieters, especially men, who he says are less likely to seek help to slim down.
Mr Orell says he was always the fat child in school, 'even in the days when there weren't many fat kids', and continued to put on weight in his adult years because he would graze on fatty snacks.
He suffered from depression, sleep apnoea and diabetes, but after trying numerous diets over the years and putting the weight straight back on each time, he was ready to give up.
"I thought my life was over because I couldn't do any of the little things which make life sweet, like going to the cinema or getting on a plane. I was thinking 'I'm in my 50s, what's left for me?'" he said.
That was before he discovered Slimming World during a visit to his sister, where he said the low-fat meals she cooked up were unlike the 'bland, boring' dietary cuisine he had tasted before.
He joined the Slimming World group in Sunbury just over two years ago, with his wife Debbie, who has slimmed down from 18 to 10.5 stone, and says the pounds 'just fell off'.
"I've rediscovered my lust for life (since losing the weight). When I joined Slimming World I was out of breath by the time I'd made it to the scales and back to my seat, but now I'm enjoying long walks and I've taken up Zumba," he said.
* Mr Orrell's Slimming World groups will meet at Isleworth Working Mens Club, in St John's Road, Isleworth, every Wednesday, at 9.30am and 7.30pm, from October 1. You can call him for more information on 0746 8416 251.
