A MAN who was so ashamed of his weight that he used to delete all photographs taken of him is now set to inspire others after losing three stone.

Lewis Saunders, 31, from Moredon, embarked on his weight loss journey with the Redhouse branch of Slimming World in March this year, after returning from a holiday.

He and his partner, Simon Pithouse, took lots of pictures while on a cruise, hoping to share them with friends and family.

“But at the end of each day I would go through all the pictures and deleting any that included me. I felt so ashamed by how I felt,”said Lewis.

He joined the group with a friend who had already heard about the benefits of Slimming World’s eating plan.

“I was blown away immediately by how friendly everyone was. I had stopped socialising because of how I felt so joining the group was like walking into a room filled with friends,” he said.

“Food Optimising was explained to me and it all sounded too good to be true.

“But I was over the moon to lose 6.5lbs in my first week and I haven’t looked back since.”

Before joining the group, Lewis says his diet was made up of convenience foods and he was also a regular at the local takeaway.

“I have now developed a real passion and the kitchen is now my domain,” he said.

“I never miss out on any celebrations or birthdays, because nothing is banned, you really can have your cake and eat it.”

Lewis has now become a consultant for Slimming World.

“When my friends and family saw the amazing food I could eat and the fact there was no need to ever be hungry, they just couldn’t wait to get started.

“I am so excited to be helping other people just like my consultant helped me. It has changed my life. I am a more confident and happier person, as well as being fitter and healthier.”

Lewis’s group meets on Tuesdays at 7.30 at Moredon Community Centre. Call 07522 982515.