Norwich man runs marathon after Slimming World weight loss

Matt Symons started his weight loss journey in 2017 after a chair collapsed underneath him at a friend's house party.

After joining his local Slimming World group, the 41-year-old lost a total of 9st 2lbs.

Mr Symons before his life-changing weight loss transformation (Image: Matt Symons/Slimming World)

"I was mortified and, in that moment, I knew something needed to change," he said.

“Being overweight massively impacted my everyday life.

READ MORE: Old Catton Slimming World weight loss success story

"I was very unhappy and felt like I wasn’t living my life to the fullest."

Since his breakthrough seven years ago, Mr Symons has not only lost a significant amount of weight but has also completed the London Marathon in 4hrs 55mins. 

Mr Symons said he neglected himself which led to him gaining weight and reaching his heaviest (Image: Matt Symons/Slimming World)

He was running for Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of his dad, Gray, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and died in 2022.

"Before joining Slimming World, I would get taxis everywhere I went and do no exercise whatsoever," he said. 

READ MORE: Tackling obesity more key for health than a kids smoking ban

"I began with walking to my workplace and slowly increased my distance. I soon discovered a love for running.

"My dad was my biggest cheerleader for my weight loss and running and I know he would be so proud of me for taking on this challenge of a lifetime."

Matt Symons after losing 9st 2lbs (Image: Matt Symons/Slimming World)

Mr Symons kickstarted his seven-year journey after a previous Slimming World success story, Steven Little, opened his own Slimming World group. 

Mr Little added: “Matt is a real inspiration to us all and we are so proud of him.

"When he first came through the door, he wanted to lose weight and feel more confident – however, he had no idea he’d go on to run the London Marathon."