Sunderland couple who had 'serious weight problem' shed five stone during lockdown after Slimming World classes go online

Peter and Zoe Taylor, who live in Hylton Castle, were on a mission to stop their weight problem spiralling out of control as the pandemic began to unfold.

The couple were worried about what their weight would mean for their future, so had decided to do something about it.

But Peter and Zoe and were worried their journey was in jeopardy after the country went into lockdown and Slimming World was forced to cancel classes.

However, thanks to new online classes, the couple were able to continue their hard work despite the lockdown making it even more difficult.

Peter, 43, who was 17st said: “My wife and myself faced up to reality and accepted the fact that we both had a serious weight problem that was spiralling out of control. COVID-19 hit and the country was plunged into lockdown and our group meetings were at risk of being suspended indefinitely putting our entire journey in jeopardy.

“We now have a weekly virtual meeting to continue supporting everyone’s weight loss and I’m in awe of our group leader Katherine and what she has done to support us as a group but also as individuals. My wife has lost a staggering 2.5 stone and myself have lost a life-altering three stone in weight, and continue to do so till our target weight loss is reached.”

Slimming World suspended all classes when lockdown began, but the new online sessions have been helping people continue their weight loss journey through the coronavirus crisis and also providing a community for members who feel lonely and isolated.

With gyms shut and opportunities for exercise originally limited, though restrictions have now been removed on the amount of time we can spend outdoors, and the temptation to eat and drink too much while staying at home, some have found it hard to stay healthy.

But the fitness classes and healthy eating groups have also been going online, including work-outs and yoga, and experts have been keen to offer healthy eating advice to households.

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