'Why taking control of my weight saved my life and my future,' says Wednesbury man
Richard Perry from Wednesbury had struggled with his weight for his entire adult life, losing weight, gaining it back, and watching his health deteriorate. Now an incredible 11st 7.5lbs lighter Richard is excited for 2026.
By the summer of 2023, things had reached breaking point. On holiday in Sorrento for his niece’s wedding, he should have been celebrating but instead, he felt dreadful. Hyperglycaemia left him exhausted and miserable, and he distanced himself from his family. Richard had been living with high blood pressure for nearly 20 years and had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a year earlier. His daily reality? Fifteen prescribed tablets just to keep going.
That holiday was a wake-up call. Richard realised that if he didn’t take control, his life and his time with his two wonderful children, Thomas and Olivia would be cut short. In October 2023, he walked through the doors of Slimming World in Tipton, determined to change. At that point, Richard weighed 27st 2lbs. Today, he weighs 15st 8.5lbs a total loss of 11st 7.5lbs.
Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan was a revelation for Richard. For the first time, he learned moderation, a concept he’d struggled with all his life. He could enjoy the foods he loved while filling up on Free Foods. Even as a single dad, he made it work. His children became his biggest supporters, joining him at group every Saturday morning and embracing healthier eating themselves. Together, they turned mealtimes into a positive experience, and Fakeaways became their Saturday night tradition whether it was a curry, tortilla wrap pizza, or a Slimming World recipe book favourite.
Richard admits it wasn’t easy. For the first year, he yo-yoed, making excuses for every gain. By early 2025, he’d lost almost three stone but it wasn’t enough. He reminded himself why he started: his health, his kids, his life. From then on, he committed fully to physical activity, staying to Image Therapy every week, no more excuses.
The changes have been incredible. Things Richard couldn’t do before, putting on socks without holding his breath, swimming 50 lengths, walking 10km daily, riding a bike, running, fitting into a plane seat without an extension are now part of his life. On holiday, he’s gone horse riding, jet skiing, kayaking. His health has transformed: from 15 tablets a day to just three. Acid reflux is gone, gout and cholesterol meds are being phased out, and his blood pressure and diabetes medication have been dramatically reduced.
The mental and emotional benefits have been just as powerful. In October 2025, Richard did something unimaginable he took a solo holiday abroad. It was liberating. He realised the “old Richard” was gone, replaced by someone stronger, healthier, and happier. He’s embraced new experiences, booked another solo trip for 2026, signed up to donate blood, and registered to volunteer at Birmingham Christmas Shelter.
Slimming World hasn’t just helped Richard lose weight t’s given him his life back. No clichés, just fact. He’s the fittest, healthiest, and most confident he’s ever been. And this journey isn’t over he’s excited for what’s next.
