A COUPLE were compelled to lose weight after their nine-year-old son called them fat.

Thomas Hodgson’s direct, but well-meant, comments inspired his parents, Mark and Gail Hodgson from Newton Aycliffe , County Durham, to dramatically change their eating habits – and, nine months on, they could not be happier.

The story began last December when the family were having a meal with Mrs Hodgson’s parents.

Her mother, Elizabeth Norman, 66, had shed two stone by attending Slimming World meetings.

“We were all sat around the table and Thomas said ‘Gran doesn’t need to go to Slimming World anymore, but mummy does because she’s fat,” said Mrs Hodgson, 43.

“I was devastated, but it was not a surprise. I knew I was overweight, but hearing Thomas say it really brought it home and made me want to do something about it.”

Mrs Hodgson, who has tried dozens of diets over the years, accompanied her mother to the next Slimming World meeting.

Mr Hodgson, 46, who was also teased by his son for his size, decided to follow the healthy eating and exercise plan too.

Both excelled. Mrs Hodgson lost 3.5 stone and dropped from a size 22 to a 12, and her husband lost three stone.

“It is all thanks to Thomas,” said Mrs Hodgson. “Slimming World is so easy to do and now we eat together all the healthy meals Thomas loves. In the past, I would make something for him and then we would order takeaway for ourselves.”

Thomas said: “I think my mum looks really good now.

“I am really proud of her.”

Slimming World meetings are also held at School Aycliffe Community Hall at 9.30am on Wednesday. For more information, call Diane Morris on 07876133509.