From XXXL to marathon man with LighterLife!
Three years ago, I was a very different man – one who was 11 stone overweight, whose confidence had taken a battering and who only looked in the mirror to shave. I avoided photos, had to buy the XXXL clothes I needed from online specialist shops, and quietly worried whether chairs would hold my weight.
I needed something different
I can’t even count how many diets I’ve tried in the past. I’d start off motivated, but it never lasted. The results were slow or non-existent, and I’d end up right back where I started – or heavier. Each failure chipped away at my self-respect. My health and mobility were suffering and I was constantly uncomfortable, struggling to do even everyday things.
I knew I needed something different, and that was LighterLife – which has a great reputation for helping people like me with many stones to lose, who need far more than a standard “diet” approach. I’d tried it once before but wasn’t ready to properly commit. When I rejoined in January 2023, this time I really was.
Early days
My Mentor, Rachel, was hugely encouraging right from the start, and although I felt a bit hungry in the first few days, I quickly started to feel energised. The Chocolate Mug Cake soon became my favourite Foodpack.
The other men in my group were particularly inspirational. Many of them have lost significant amounts of weight, so it’s great knowing you’re not alone and that you can do this too – that the goal can and will be achieved.
My incredible transformation
Fast-forward to now: I’ve lost 57.5kg – just over nine stone – so far, and I’m not done yet. I’m aiming for a total weight loss of 65kg (10st 3lb).
My life has completely transformed. From barely being able to move without discomfort, exercise and keeping fit are now massive parts of my life. I’ve already done a bunch of half-marathons and ran my first full marathon in Vienna in April – so I’ve signed up for the Paris Marathon in April 2026. I love travelling to such beautiful locations to compete. My next goal is my first triathlon later this year.
I’ve dropped from an XXXL/XXL to a size M/L. That alone has boosted my confidence. I can now buy clothes anywhere – no more relying on specialist online shops – and I no longer worry about breaking chairs and wondering “Will I fit?” when I’m out and about. I still can’t believe how I used to look and how far I’ve come.
Why LighterLife worked for me
The support has been second to none. Rachel is a fantastic Mentor, and her group sessions continue to help me stay focused. The CBT and mindfulness techniques we work with have really impacted my mental attitude. I now understand how I was letting my thoughts drive my feelings and fuel my urges to overeat. Knowing this has given me the space to think before I eat – to take back control of my life.
My advice to anyone starting LighterLife
Focus is everything. The battle is in the mind, and LighterLife gives you the tools to win it.
