“I’d been overweight for as long as I could remember. Even at school I knew I was bigger than my friends. My weight crept up over the years until I found myself weighing more than 26st (165.1kg) and barely recognising the person I’d become.
When I was younger, I didn’t realise how much my weight held me back. Now I can see how deeply it affected my confidence and stopped me from trying new things. I played rugby at school and enjoyed skiing, but as my weight increased, I gave them up. Pain in my knees and joints grew worse and I started avoiding things I once loved, which took a toll on my mental health.
Simple things became stressful
Life became increasingly restricted and difficult. I started making excuses to avoid holidays – but the real reason was that I didn’t fit in the aeroplane seats properly. Clothing was another constant reminder of my size, and it got to the point where I could only shop online.
My blood pressure was dangerously high despite taking two medications. I also suffered severe swelling and bloating in both my lower legs, and my heart rate would remain elevated – even after only mild exercise.
My turning point came during a period of total burnout. I’d reduced my working week to recover but I was exhausted and out of energy. Around the same time, my son, Stanley, asked for a gym membership for his 16th birthday. I saw a chance to spend Monday mornings together at the gym, but I hated how I felt there. I convinced myself he was embarrassed to be seen with me.
Find out more about how Slimming World supports you to get active
A terrifying decline in health
Then, one morning, I woke to find my right foot and calf badly swollen. It became so severe that eventually, the skin split and sores developed. It suddenly hit me: my wife, my son, and his two sisters deserved better. I also found myself thinking of my mum, a former international cycling champion, who we lost suddenly in 2020 to a brain aneurysm connected to multiple cancers. If it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone.
I knew I needed to take control of my weight and decided to look into joining Slimming World. When I shared this idea with Stanley, he encouraged me to go for it. I found a group five minutes away from his school, meaning I could attend Slimming World after dropping him off.
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Finding the support I needed
My Consultant, Lynne, welcomed me straight away – and I knew I’d taken a step in the right direction. The support and enthusiasm in group was incredible, and despite everyone being on their own journeys, we always cheered each other on. I’ve found the same supportive atmosphere in each group I’ve attended – with Chris, Heather, and now Emma in Kilmacolm. Her support helped me achieve my Club 50 award, meaning I’ve lost 50% of my starting weight. I now weigh 13st 5lbs (84.8kg), having lost 13st 6lbs (85.3kg)!
Joining Slimming World has helped me to completely change my eating habits without ever feeling hard done by. Before becoming a member, I’d rely on takeaways to make evening mealtimes easy. I also found myself snacking on chocolate and sweets throughout the day. Now, I eat a balanced diet consisting of meals such as overnight oats for breakfast, tuna pasta and vegetables for lunch and diet cola chicken with plenty of vegetables and rice for my evening meal. I still enjoy chocolate, as nothing is off limits with Slimming World’s healthy eating plan!
Hitting my stride
Although I’ve always been a sports lover, I wasn’t very active before joining Slimming World. My wife attended parkrun every Saturday morning and I couldn’t even bring myself to go along to support her, let alone take part. I’d very occasionally go for a short walk or attempt light activity, but it was often uncomfortable and I’d get breathless very quickly. I’d given up on the idea that I could be physically active.
That was until I discovered Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme, which encouraged me to start small, celebrate consistency over intensity and focus on gradual wins. I began with short walks and small changes, which improved my confidence – and that carried on into the gym with my son. Eventually, I started running, something I never imagined I’d enjoy. Now, activity is central to my life, especially parkrun!
Since losing more than half of my body weight, I’m completely off medication and my blood pressure is at a healthy level. I’ve become a Slimming World Consultant to support others to lose weight and live a healthy life, and I’m inspired by my members every week. Watching them take brave first steps and seeing their successes drives me to keep going.
I’m over the moon to be running the London Marathon and raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK in honour of my mum. Alongside raising money for the charity, I aim to raise awareness about how losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can bring big health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing 13 types of cancer. And I know my family will be cheering me on – proud of the healthy, active dad I’ve become.”
Support the Slimming World marathon team
Douglas is part of an amazing team of Simming World members and Consultants running the London Marathon in support of SMILES, Slimming World’s charitable foundation, to raise funds for our charity partners, Cancer Research UK, the Irish Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK – you’ll find the official fundraising page here.
If you’re feeling inspired to give running a go, you’ll find a step-by-step training plan on our exclusive member app and website. Start today and you could join us in running Race for Life this summer!
Unlock our full get-fit tool kit today
With our unique active lifestyle programme, you’re in control. You choose when, where and how to start. And we’ll be there to support you every step of the way as you discover the amazing health and body benefits that being active brings.