A FAST-FOOD addict who was so large he couldn’t pull his own socks on, has lost a whopping 10 stone in a year after turning his life around.
Stephen Donnelly, 59, weighed in at nearly 26 stone after spending years gorging on greasy takeaways, cakes, pies, crisps and belly-busting breakfasts, as he worked on the road as a plumber.
Stephen Donnelly, 59, weighed in at nearly 26 stone
He lost a whopping 10 stone in just a year after turning his life around
But when docs said his weight meant he wasn’t eligible for the knee surgery he so desperately needed and that his unhealthy habits could lead to diabetes, he knew he drastically had to change his ways.
Stephen of Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow, said: “Being a plumber meant I was always on the go, but the heavier I was becoming, the more difficult it was to do my job.
“My knees were beginning to hurt, and my 52-inch waist meant it was becoming difficult to bed down – and even pull my own socks on.
“As a typical bloke, I just put things off, but I got the shock of my life after the GP told me just how bad things were.”
Determined Stephen signed up to Weight Watchers and took out a gym membership in Jan 2022, a bid to shed the pounds – and is amazed at the results.
He said: “From the start of my journey I started walking a little bit each day, then doing a couple of miles on my indoor bike – which had been collecting dust.
“Then once my confidence was up, I headed to the gym, and then swimming in the middle of February.”
Stephen has gone from 25st 6lb to 15st 8 lb and has swapped his 52inch-waisted trousers to a 40inch pair.
He said: “I now exercise for one and a half hours every day. I love the gym and swim at least five times a week.
“What a difference, considering I couldn’t put socks on or even walk the length of myself.
“Now while I am on holiday, instead of lying around a pool and snacking, I’ll walk 8-10 km every day and jump in the pool to get some lengths in.
“The Weight Watchers points plan is great and so easy to keep me in check wherever I am.
“I used to think the classes would be like a walk of shame, but now I look forward to my weekly check in.
“It’s such a welcoming place where everyone is there to help and support each other.
“The whole experience has completely changed me as a person – I only wish I’d done it sooner.
“I don’t only feel ten stone lighter, I feel ten years younger.”
Stephen thanked NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for referring him to the Weight Watchers.
He said: “I’d like to say a massive thanks to my GP and the NHS for directing me to the weight loss programme – and I’d also like to thank every at Weight Watchers for the help, encouragement and support.”
STEPHEN’S DIET
Before
BREAKFAST – A full Scottish breakfast, or a couple of rolls and sausage.
LUNCH – A Greggs pasty or McDonald’s burger and chips, or a couple of scotch pies with a cake and crisps.
DINNER – Fish supper, Chinese or a KFC
SNACKS – Four packets of crisps and two bars of chocolate – every day.
After
BREAKFAST – Weetabix, porridge, or scrambled egg with bacon medallion.
LUNCH – Homemade soup and sandwiches
DINNER – Fresh fish, chicken with vegetables or salad.
SNACKS – Strawberries, grapes, and the occasional packet of Weight Watchers crisps
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