A couple from St Neots are seeing a lot less of each other – after embarking on a diet and losing more than 13 stone between them.

The Hunts Post: Super slimmersSuper slimmers (Image: Archant)

Steve Myers and Katrina Platt, who joined a Slimming World class in St Neots, recently made it through to the semi-final of the organisation’s Couple of the Year competition.

Steve, 54, lost 8st 9.5lbs, and Katrina, 46, who lost 4st 6lbs, were voted Couple of the Year 2016 by their fellow members in St Neots. Following their selection they were invited to represent the town at the national finals on March 13, which was won by Andrew and Paula Butler, from Huddersfield, who lost a combined total of 14st 9.5lbs.

“People think that losing weight is just eating less and moving more, but there is so much more to it than that,” said Steve.

“Having the right support in place is essential and I was lucky enough to not only have the support of my partner but the fabulous members of our group, too. Losing weight together has definitely strengthened our relationship – we’re happier, healthier and fitter now and we’ve been on that journey together, which makes it even more special.

“We now enjoy cooking together and eat all the same healthy meals. Instead of relying on convenience foods, we cook from scratch and it tastes so much better. The really great thing about Slimming World is that you can eat lots of foods freely to satisfy your appetite, so there are tons of different meals that you can make and you never need to get bored.”

Katrina, added: “Losing weight has had a big impact on both our health and our relationship. As well as making healthy eating swaps – like switching to lean mince and cooking with low calorie cooking spray instead of oil, we’ve also become much more active and even started power walking. It has also given us the confidence to try new things, like lindy hop dancing.

“We couldn’t believe it when we made it to the semi-finals, it’s way beyond what we could have imagined when we first decided to join.

“We already feel like winners because we’ve won the biggest prize out there – we feel great and we know we’ve got a long, healthy, happy life to look forward to together now.

Solveig Haywood, who runs the group at the Pilgrim Hall in Tebbutts Road, said: “I’m so proud of them both. They’ve really taken it upon themselves to motivate not only each other, but the rest of the group, too.

“I’d encourage any couples who are struggling with their weight to tackle the issue together – it honestly does make the world of difference to have someone you love and trust by your side.”

INFORMATION: The group meets on Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Contact Solveig on 07833 537646.