A Scots plumber who used to eat four takeaways a week and snack on junk food has transformed his life after losing a whopping 12 stone. Stephen Donnelly, from Bishopbriggs, was at his lowest when he was 25st and 6lb but has now nearly halved his body weight.
The 60-year-old was struggling with simple tasks like putting on socks and suffered from constant knee pain but could not have the operation he needed due to his weight and blood sugar levels.
He decided to take action in December 2021 after feeling depressed and contacted his GP for help. He has now dropped down to 13st 6lb - shredding an impressive 12 stone in one year - after being referred to Weight Watchers (WW) through NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
As reported in Glasgow Live, he said: "My general health was slowly deteriorating and as a typical bloke I just put things off.
"My diet has changed drastically. I used to have no pattern for eating, have large portions, and carry out Chinese meals would be three or four times a week.
"Breakfast used to be a full Scottish breakfast, or a couple of rolls and sausage. Now I will have a breakfast which is usually Weetabix, porridge, or scrambled egg with bacon medallion.
"Lunch used to be a Greggs or McDonald’s burger & chips, or a couple of scotch pies with a cake and crisps. Now I will have homemade sandwiches and soup.
"Dinner used to be a fish supper or Chinese carry out or a KFC, but now its fresh fish, chicken with vegetables or salad. Snacks before would at least three or four packets of crisps and about two bars of chocolate. Now I have strawberries and grapes, and occasionally a pack of WW crisps."
Stephen's shirt size was initially a 5XL but he can now buy a Medium after his waist size dropped from 52-inch to 32-inch. He now enjoys a much more active lifetime by going to the gym and swimming.
He added: "From the start of my WW journey I started walking a little bit each day, then doing a couple of miles on an indoor bike I have. I then started going to the gym, and then swimming in the middle of February.
"I was then referred to the lifestyle gym by my GP and this has completely changed me as a person. I now love the gym, swim at least five times a week and exercise for 1 ½ hours every day.
"Now while I am on holiday, I walk 8-10 km everyday, and swim 1500m everyday, always trying to keep within my weightwatchers points track every day.
"It’s such a welcoming place (WW) where everyone is there to help and support each other. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, but your never alone on this journey, and the app has been an amazing tool for me also.
"I have a totally different lifestyle now. Last Christmas (2021) I was sitting about all day eating chocolates and takeout. This Christmas (2022) has been a massive difference and I feel fit and healthy, and was able to enjoy every minute of it.
"My tips to other members would be stick to your points, exercise as much as you can, try not to snack late at night, and if you have a bad week don’t give in, treat it as a marathon not a sprint.
"I would like to thank my GP and the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, for referring me to weightwatchers' health referral programme, as it was the push that I needed. I would also like to thank everyone at weightwatchers, especially Cathy, for all the help & encouragement, and everyone at Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome for all their help."
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