A MAN who was warned by a doctor that his weight was putting his life at risk has lost three stone on a free programme.

Jason Varley, from Boundary Road, who was more than 21 stone joined the Choose to Change programme run by ABL Health in partnership with St Helens Council and has already lost weight in just under a year.

The 35-year-old said: “I knew I needed to lose weight because I was getting really big, drinking in the pub and munching non-stop.

“I was really negative but my lifestyle coach George has helped me so much.

“I used to get the bus everywhere but now I walk and I choose healthy meals instead of going to the chippy and I have cut my portions down.

“I also check the food labels in shops and if it is marked up red I don’t buy it.”

Choose to Change is a specialist weight management service that helps adults and families make lifestyle changes to help them to lose weight and improve their health.

It also encourages lifelong changes to eating habits rather than short term diets, and helps people to overcome their barriers to weight loss, make sensible food choices and become more active.

The Morrisons employee added: “I wish I had done this when I was younger – I wish people I used to know then could see me now.

“I work in the café at work and shoppers come in and say that I look so much better.

“It’s a really good thing to do if you want to lose weight, I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Georgina McNulty, ABL Health lifestyle coach, added: “Jason has done so well. He’s a great ambassador for Choose to Change and I hope he inspires other people to come and join us.”

For more information call 01744 778359, text 07966 565330 or visit ablhealth.co.uk/st-helens.