Dieter loses eight stones

A DIETER is celebrating his success after losing more than eight stones in a year.
Christian Azolan, 26, of Weald Way, Hayes says his weight began spiralling out of control when he was eighteen after the death of his fahter.
At the time Christian was studying fashion at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication in Kent. He says when he started university he was 13 stones but by the time he finished he weighed more than 21 stones.
Christian said: "At the time it just seemed like an easy option for me, it was a way of distracting myself from actually dealing with the grief. I gained a lot of the weight during my placement year at San Fransico.
"But I never really realised how much weight I'd put on until I applied for a job over a year ago as a visual merchandiser. I had to get a photo pass made at the time and I was just shocked by the picture. I just couldn't believe it was me."
He said that's when he realised he had to do something about it and he joined an organisation called LighterLife after one of his friends lost three stones through their programme.
He said: "I decided to go with them because they offered counselling and because I knew food wasn't the real issue."
He said the counselling was done as a group and it allowed him to see that a lot of the time he was eating as a way of rewarding himself.
He said: "I've learnt to change that now by rewarding myself by buying something instead like a CD or clothes.
"I'm continuing to keep the weight off which is great and I go to Virgin Active in Stockley Park. I also go out more with my friends whereas before I was just a hermit."
Christian works as at 3 Mobile in The Chimes and also does freelance fashion designing for French Connection and Tesco.
For more information about LighterLife 0800 2988 988 or visit www.lighterlife.com