A plumber from Glasgow has completely transformed his life after losing a remarkable 12 stone.
Stephen Donnelly, from Bishopbriggs, found himself at his lowest when he went to see his GP for help in December 2021.
The 60-year-old, who has an active job, felt depressed and was fed up with his weight and overall health. At the time, he weighed 25st 6lb and his job became harder to do, the heavier he became.
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His knees were in constant pain and the simple things like putting his socks on became a mission. Stephen required a knee operation but couldn't have it because of his weight and blood sugar.
"My general health was slowly deteriorating and as a typical bloke I just put things off", he said.
His GP referred him to Weight Watchers (WW) through the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which he started last January, and he has managed to drop down to 13st 6lb - shredding an impressive 12 stone in one year.
Stephen said: "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 has dropped from 52-inch waist to a 32-inch waist and his shirt size has plummeted from a 5XL to a M.
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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