Weight loss ladies celebrate success

Her group having completed the sixth cycle of the Arriba! Weight Loss Challenge, Little Common club leader Toni Lehman told the Observer members’ blood pressure and cholesterol are also coming down, joints are aching less and everyone has more energy.

As one of the first communities in East Sussex to benefit from what Toni describes as a “unique and proven model”, the club helps people look and feel better than they ever have before.

Toni said: “The positive effects on their health is noticeable after just a few weeks of following the programme.”

Run over 12 weeks, participants receive a full body analysis and personal consultation which gives them a focus for healthy, sustainable weight loss.

The classes are informative and fun and as it is a small, closed group Toni said people “don’t come and go but build friendships and are very supportive of one another”.

To encourage safe weight loss and fairness, the results are based on the percentage of overall body weight loss rather than just the number of pounds. This also ensures it is fat and not muscle which is lost - which can happen with low-calorie, fast-loss diets.

Thirteen successful members were invited to a party held in recognition of their hard work, where they are presented with certificates and prizes.

The club’s most recent winner was Doreen Shields, who lost 10.4lbs, 10¼ inches and 5.46 per cent of her overall body weight.

Doreen, 79, said: “I have been to slimming clubs in the past but with this club I feel so happy.

“Instead of just being one of a crowd, Toni takes a real interest in each one of us as individuals and is so supportive. My family say that I am walking farther, moving better and I know I have a lot more energy. Everyone should come along and give it a try.”

Second place went to Pat Wheeler, with a tie for third between June Slaughter and Valerie Garner.

Toni said: “We would love to have more men in the class.”

A new club, starts on April 21, and is held every Thursday at the British Legion, Little Common, 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

To join, call Toni on 01323 897671 or visit the website at: www.losseweightsussex.co.uk