A retired NHS worker who tipped the scales at 18-and-a-half stone has turned his life around after losing 75 lbs by ditching his fast food diet. Obese Alistair Murdoch was given a stern warning from his GP after being placed on three different medications for high blood pressure and told he was pre-diabetic in 2021.
The 65-year-old, from Paisley, previously managed to lose three stone during a bet with a pal who thought he had turned into ‘a slob’ over the years. But after rewarding himself with a delicious lunch and round of golf in St Andrews, the former physiotherapist began packing on the pounds again - becoming the heaviest he had ever been.
After being offered a free membership with WeightWatchers by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Alistair jumped at the chance to live a healthier lifestyle. Now weighing 12st 6lbs, the keen golfer is back on the green having purchased a whole new wardrobe.
He said: “Following a general health MOT with my local GP, it became clear that I had a few health issues. I had a very high reading for my blood sugar which classed me as pre diabetic.
“I was also suffering from high blood pressure - for which I was taking 3 different medications - and I was classed as obese. I had stopped smoking, became very busy with my career, and had no time for any activity which all led me to where I was.
“This was a wakeup call and if I didn’t do something about it, it would only get worse. I had previously tried to lose weight with another plan four years ago. I managed to reduce my weight from 18st 6 lbs to 15st 6 lbs as part of a bet with a friend who thought I had turned into a bit of a slob.
“The prize was lunch at a very prestigious club in St Andrews followed by a game over the famous Old Course. However, my weight gain started at lunch that very day. Over the next few years my weight climbed to over 18 and a half stone which was the heaviest I had ever been.
“The GP practice was excellent and offered me to join the weight referral programme with WeightWatchers. And I had no hesitation in accepting this offer and made my debut at my local group at Priorscroft Bowling Club on December 1, 2021.”
After swapping fat-laden dinners of kebabs and pizzas for lean meat and vegetables, Alistair says he now feels 15 years younger. He added: “Having now lost 75 lbs, it means I have had to replace my entire wardrobe.
“I have become a regular customer at my local alteration shop as I love wearing shorts and they are difficult to buy, so a lot of waists were needing taken in. I have gone from 44 waist to 32 inches. I have gone from XXL to M in jumpers and I can now walk between 5 and 10 miles every day.
“I’ve also re-joined the golf club and am playing better than I have in the past 20 years. I do 50 minutes of stretching and exercises three times per week before going out.
“My blood sugar level is now normal and I have stopped two of my three blood pressure medications. My self-esteem has also improved. I am a 65-year-old man who was feeling like a 75-year-old. Now I feel like a 45-year-old.
“How’s that for knocking off some years?”
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