John's story

How much weight have you lost and how long did it take?

I started at 13st 1lb 183lbs83kg and 33% body fat and set a target I never ever thought I'd reach of 70kg and 20% fat. I built in regular exercise and used NC rigorously - water, veg ... and the forum. I hit that target in mid-May and was absolutely gobsmacked.

I reset a new target of 10st 7lbs 147.7lbs67kg and hit that in June. I upped the exercise and managed to get as low as 9st 12lbs 138.8lbs67kg so that I had what the NCers call 'wiggle room' - I've been nervously, playing/struggling with maintaining for about a month now but am happyish that I am on top of it (I hope!!)))

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

In mid-February, I got a call from a close friend. One of our mutual friends had a stroke and he'd let me know later how he was getting on. Two hours later I got a call saying that he hadn't survived. He was the same age, with the same lifestyle and, like me, he had kids.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

I went online looking for options to help and I stumbled across NC. I tried it for a week and became hooked.

Has your weight stayed fairly consistent over the years, or have you always had to manage it?

I've struggled with food, my weight and body image most of my life and have been calling myself 'fat' since I was in my twenties. At 54 I had a classic middle-aged overhanging beer belly and moobs. I'd given up on ever having a reasonable body-shape again so simply carried on drinking, eating more rubbish and buying bigger clothes. I was lacking energy, and feeling rubbish about myself... Every Year, I promised I'd do something, but I never did.

How easy was it to fit the changes you made into your lifestyle?

It wasn't that easy, but getting healthier took priority and I adjusted my lifestyle to fit around that.

What was the most difficult thing?

There are a couple of things that stand out as being difficult. Reducing the amount of social drinking I did (it was that or going without food) and having family meals - it's difficult eating something different. It would look like I was being awkward, faddy and particular, which isn't great in front of kids.

How do you feel now compared to before?

I feel great in all the obvious ways - I've got a lot more energy, I feel better about the way I look and I feel more positive about my age which was starting to become a bit of an issue.

Any notable milestones to report?

Pink shirt test...About 15 years ago I was in a rush and bought an amazing shirt from Paul Smiths - it cost over £250 (don't ask!!). I just about squeezed into it that night but couldn't breathe much. I never wore it again. It has been hanging in my wardrobe ever since as testament to the man I imagined I could be. I agreed with my Mrs that if I ever died in old age of some withering disease - I wanted to be buried in it. Every Saturday morning now, after my weigh-in I put the shirt on, look in the mirror and smile. I haven't had the nerve to wear it out yet. My eight-year-old daughter says I'm not allowed to wear it as 'it's embarrassing' (I think she may be right).

What 3 tips would you give to anyone who has weight to lose?

Gosh this is a tricky one...

1. Like all addictions, you have to tackle it one day at a time.
2. Don't panic when you fall off the wagon, everyone does.
3. Be kind to yourself and don't beat yourself up or feel guilty... all easier said than done.