Anton's swimming his way to success
Anton spent years in denial about his ever expanding waist line. He lacked the energy and confidence needed to live an active lifestyle. After being told by his GP that he was obese Anton was inspired to lose the weight.
Here's Anton's story
How long have you been a member?
I joined 18 months ago.
What plan did you follow?
I followed the Low Salt plan followed by the Light Choices plan.
What weight were you before you joined us, and what is your current weight?
I was 16 stone and found my 38” waist jeans incredibly tight. Now I weigh 13 stone 5 lbs.
Did you lose any inches?
So far, I have lost 4 inches from my waist.
What made you decide to join us?
I had been unhappy with my weight for a long time but I was in denial about how much I actually weighed. I wanted to lose weight but didn't want to put in the effort; I simply didn't have the energy. When I had a car accident, I needed to see my GP who told me that I was 16 stone and obese.
What part, if any, has exercise played in helping you to lose weight?
I didn't exercise at the beginning as I simply didn't have the energy, but eventually it became a big part of my weight loss journey.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
None of my trousers fitted me. I was embarrassed by my body shape, I lacked confidence and I didn’t have the energy to take part in any sports.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
Losing the weight has changed my life. I am far more active, I swim and play squash and I've even taken up scuba diving. I've always wanted to scuba dive but I never thought that I could. I’ve also made lots of new friends, as I no longer shy away from social settings.
Have you enjoyed the plan?
I really have, I love being able to tailor my meal plan to my own tastes. The plan feels more like a lifestyle choice than a diet. When I first joined I had no intention of using the mentor support, I just wanted to get on with the diet. However, I found that keeping in contact with the mentors has given me that extra boost when I've had a low moment.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us?
Before joining I actually ate a lot less, I never ate breakfast and I would eat the wrong food at the wrong time.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
They've all been very complimentary but also a bit shocked at how easy it’s been. My female work colleagues have given me the biggest confidence boost by continuously telling me how 'skinny' I am and how good I look.
How do you feel about your weight loss?
I genuinely feel great. I'm very proud to have shed the inches from my waist, although I would still like to lose a bit more. I have no problem with donning my wetsuit or swimming shorts. I know it's cliché but I am happier now than I have been in a very long time.
Do you feel confident about maintaining your weight loss?
I’m very confident about maintaining my weight loss. I took a month off the diet during December as I was eating at family and friend’s houses and had no control of what would be cooked. I fully expected to gain around 8 pounds but that didn't happen. I've learnt how to eat, what to eat, how much to eat and I listen a lot more to what my body is telling me.
Any other comments you would like to make?
Make use of the mentors, I consider myself very fortunate. They've all been amazing, but one in particular befriended me and made it her personal mission to get to know me. So when I went a few weeks without actual weight loss, she would keep me motivated and remind me to check things like body measurements. It might seem trivial but it makes a world of difference. I had intended to remain anonymous but if I had succeeded in that, I may not be where I am now. The mentors gave me that little boost just when I needed it.
