A 20-YEAR-OLD from Bridgwater has lots to celebrate after losing 4st 4lbs to reach the finals of a national slimming competition where he met TV star, Joe Swash.

Ben Seymour was over the moon to make the final 28 of Slimming World’s Young Slimmer of the Year 2019 competition.

Since joining the Bridgwater group Ben has slimmed from 17st 1lbs to 12st 11lb, and feels on top of the world. As a result of his incredible achievement, his fellow members in the Bridgwater group voted for him to represent them in the semi-finals of the Young Slimmer of the Year 2019 competition.

Ben said: “I knew that I had an issue with my weight and that I needed to address it but like many young people I just didn’t know where to start when it came to making healthier choices.

" I was starting to become more and more self-conscious, and my weight was affecting me in lots of different ways. I would rarely leave my room and never went outside because I worried people would stare at me because of my weight. I had very low self-esteem and felt completely isolated.

“I felt nervous at the thought of joining a Slimming World group because I didn’t think people my age did things like that and I was worried I might get judged for being young and overweight. I was wrong though, everyone was so welcoming and there were a few other young people there too – so I felt a lot more at ease.

“I’ve learned to cook from scratch and just have to make a few healthy swaps, like using low-calorie cooking spray and swapping white bread for wholemeal.

Alison Mogg, who runs the Bridgwater Slimming World group which Ben attends, said she was proud of Ben for his achievement.

She said: “What he’s achieved is so much more than just losing weight. I’ve watched Ben transform into a strong and confident person who has the world at his feet.

"Joining Slimming World has given him the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and develop new active habits that will stand him in good stead for the rest of his life. Most of all it’s given him the self-belief to achieve whatever he puts his mind to.

“Anyone who wants to lose weight – whatever their age – and wants to know more about the difference that Slimming World can make is welcome to pop along to my group at Bridgwater Operatic Society or call me on 07935 094634.”

Joe Swash was blown away when he met Ben at the semi-finals. He said: “I honestly can’t believe the difference in Ben, to have achieved something like this at such a young age is just amazing."