An Enniskillen slimmer has hit the back of the net after reaching the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top male slimmers.

Mark McVitty, from Enniskillen was joined by Clifford Macartney, from Lisburn and Gary Scott, from Craigavon, as three out of just 32 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2016 competition . Mark had lost an impressive 8st 12.5lbs. It was there that they were congratulated by former Coventry, Aston Villa and Leicester City star Dion.

Mark, 53, who slimmed from 22st 5.5lbs to 13st 7lbs, believes it can be hard for men to admit that they need help to lose weight, and that it is especially difficult for them to walk through the doors of a slimming club for the first time. 

He said: “When men think about losing weight it usually involves hitting the gym or trying to eat less without really telling anyone. Joining Slimming World was a big step for me, I’m so glad I had the courage to walk through those doors though.”

All of the men have also become more active as a result, with Mark even walking an impressive seven to eight miles a day seven days a week.
Dion, who has now hung up his football boots to present hit daytime TV show Homes under the Hammer, was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition.

He said: “Health and fitness formed a huge part of my career as a footballer, so I know how much effort and dedication it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 
“It was a pleasure to meet Mark, Clifford and Gary and hear all about their weight loss. They’ve taken a really big and important step – a step which a lot of men would find too daunting – I think many people would be guilty of thinking that going to a slimming club isn’t very macho. 
“It takes a lot to recognise that you have a weight problem and then be brave enough to do something about it – they’re all top men in my book.”
Pauline Taggart, who runs the Enniskillen group that Mark attends, said: “A lot of men think that slimming clubs are a woman-only zone, and Mark, Clifford and Gary are living proof that this isn’t the case. 
“Men need just as much support as women to slim down and improve their health. We’re so proud of everything Mark, Clifford and Gary have achieved.” The title was taken by Danny Crosby, from Altrincham, who has lost eight stone.