Richard Perry, 46, from the West Midlands, has lost 13 stone 4.5 pounds after years of struggling with his weight. He decided to change his life because he loved football but hated wearing his club's shirt, feeling too self-conscious in a tight top.
From 4XL to medium: a football fan's transformation
Perry joined Slimming World with the support of consultant Tracey Richardson and group members. He said: "I'd been unhappy with my weight for a long time, but I didn't know how to change things. I couldn't play the game I loved and there's no way I'd be caught wearing a too-tight football shirt."
Walking into his local Slimming World group was a big step, but he found no judgment, just real support from people who understood how he felt. The group became his weekly reset, helping him stay accountable by talking through challenges and planning the week ahead.
Enjoying proper meals while losing weight
Perry discovered he could still enjoy meals like full-English breakfasts, roast dinners, homemade curries, and chilli con carne while losing weight. He never felt restricted, which made it easier to stick with the plan. As his confidence grew, he embraced Slimming World's active lifestyle programme, starting with short walks and progressing to swimming, cycling, hiking, and running.
He said: "Tracey would talk about the benefits of being more active and how it supports long-term weight loss, so I thought 'Why not give it a go?'"
Semi-finalist in Man of the Year 2026
Now 13st 4.5lb lighter, Perry was selected from thousands of men across the UK and Ireland to attend the semi-finals of Slimming World's Man of the Year 2026 competition. He said: "I love football – so watching the World Cup this year over 13st lighter has been an amazing feeling. I can wear a football shirt without feeling self-conscious – I used to wear a size 4XL and now I can comfortably wear a medium."
He added: "Those small changes make such a big difference to your life – you don't realise until you look back and see how much you used to shy away from things."
Consultant praises Richard's journey
Slimming World consultant Tracey Richardson, who runs the Tipton group, said: "We're incredibly proud of Richard. He's shown that with the right support, the right food and the right mindset, anything is possible. Slimming World is all about community and no one has to do it alone. Whether someone is starting from scratch or using weight-loss medication, we help members build healthy habits around real food, activity and support so they can maintain their weight loss long-term. Win, lose or draw – our group will always be there to cheer you on."
